Central Boulevard Elementary School in Bethpage showed its gratitude to local first responders by holding a parade and breakfast in their honor this past Friday. Family and community members currently serving or who have previously served as police officers, firefighters, EMTs, or medical first responders were invited to the school in uniform to participate in a small parade in front of the building alongside their CBS student family member. Following the parade, families were welcomed inside for a breakfast reception.
Mr. Kevin Healy, a former principal in the Bethpage School District, led the parade in traditional attire, playing the bagpipes. Students lined the circle outside the school building holding handmade signs expressing their appreciation for law enforcement and first responders. Three CBS students selected to perform in the All-County Chorus sang the national anthem under the direction of music teacher Jackie Rorke. Student Council members greeted families and offered words of thanks to the honorees and shared exciting news: CBS students had raised $400 in donations for Tunnel to Towers Foundation, with more on the way. Fifth graders will be holding a car wash on May 27 from 4–6 p.m. at CBS to continue fundraising efforts for the organization.
The event was a testament to the CBS community's commitment to honoring those who serve. From the handmade signs lining the school circle to the student-led fundraising efforts for Tunnel to Towers, the morning reflected not only gratitude but also a genuine desire to give back. For the first responders in attendance, walking that parade route alongside their children and grandchildren made for a morning that was, no doubt, as meaningful to them as it was to every student who lined the path.
