North Babylon Teachers Organization Holds Karaoke Contest Fundraiser To Fight Breast Cancer
The North Babylon Teachers' Organization raised $6,437 at the "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" Karaoke Contest the night of October 13 in the district's high school auditorium, and what an entertaining evening it was! Organized by NBTO First Vice President Jeanne Saeli and Public Relations Committee members, this event showcased talented staff members from every school in the district. The three judges--Superintendent Dr. Robert Aloise, Music/Art Director Dr. Kim Lowenborg-Coyne, and Board of Education President Barbara Leun--had a difficult time deciding the winners. With musical selections running the gamut from Frank Sinatra to the Beatles and Tina Turner, it was clear that both the performers and audience were clearly enjoying themselves.
Mr. Ted Wall from the middle school was the energetic emcee for the evening who warmed the audience up with his hilarious antics and comments. The first act was Jennifer Muller and Dave Wetzel, also from the middle school, who opened with "Breaking Free," and the performers spent the evening doing just that and having lots of fun. Mr. Shingler from Woods Road donned his baseball cap, assumed a casual, devil-may-care attitude, and put everyone in a "New York State of Mind." Angela Bruno added inspiration with "I Dreamed a Dream," and DeLuca's '60's Chicks'--Jody Tafuro, Rosa Laviano, and Vicki Vega--took the audience back in time with "And Then He Kissed Me." Parliament Place's David Heins was entertaining with his version of "Mandy," and the high school's art teacher Veronica Murphy and Assistant Principal Elizabeth Walsh-Bulger rocked the auditorium with the Beatles "Twist and Shout."
After the Beatles, the very dapper Joe Pafundi from the high school did a very Frank Sinatra sounding rendition of "Summer Wind" and was followed by the ever charming Erin Casserly with her take on "Hey Soul Sister." The "Belmont Babes"--Christine Sussman, Ann Vigiano, Joan Carlino, Mary Mazzarella, and Gina Petraglia--were clearly not to be outdone as they belted out "On the Radio" to audience applause.
Marie Rivera, also from the high school, blew everyone away with her version of "Don't Rain on My Parade," and no one did, because this was her evening as she took First Place. Coming in for Second Place, Jennifer Shea from Parliament Place stunned the audience with her clear vocals and lovely performance of "This Time Around." Another act that evening was DeLuca's Tom and Doreen Heimerle who were Sonny and Cher lookalikes, as well as soundalikes. Tom's mustache and polyester pants took some older members of the audience down memory lane as their performance of "I Got You Babe" took Third Place.
Robert Moses' Brian Snyder was absolutely charming, as well as rockin', with his spirited "Johnny Be Goode" and left several members of the audience hoping that he might repeat this performance later in the year. Retiree Dina King wowed the house with her sultry "You Belong to Me," and Joe Ventimiglia added levity with his "Under Pressure." Woods Road's Carol Cianti certainly made it hard not to stay when she sang "Please Don't Leave Me," and Greg Morisse from Parliament Place got people moving with "Don't Stop Believin'."
The High School paras brought the house down with their spirited rendition of "Take Me Home Country Road." Western garb and down home twangs sent the audience down a delightful country road, that's for sure. They were so much fun to watch. Cowboy hats off to these ladies who were clearly enjoying themselves--Cathy Passanante, Kathy Vento, Terry Raso, Fran Lake, Ginny Reichert, and Lois Emerick. They were followed by "Selina Tina and the Officerettes," who closed the evening with a rousing "Proud Mary." The NBTO officers performing this last number were President Selina Durio, First Vice President Jeanne Saeli, Second Vice President Diane Collins, Secretary Kathy Dein, and Treasurer Liz Golden.
Not to be forgotten, Jeanette Roberto, Jennifer Hager, Cathy Cullinane, Marci Shadow, and Lora Dellosso from Marion G. Vedder sang "We're All in This Together," and that was certainly the theme of the evening as NBTO members came together from all over the district to raise money to fight breast cancer. The many hours of rehearsals certainly paid off in money raised for "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" and in audience appreciation. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Aloise praised the event and said, "For me, this was an affirmation of the true heart of the North Babylon School District; one in which people always come together to work for a great cause. The night was filled with laughter and good fun. Having teachers, administrators, and other staff members performing, even outside their comfort zone, was amazing and speaks volumes for this wonderful School District. I can still hear Mrs. Durio's fabulous rendition of "Proud Mary." Tina Turner has nothing on Selina Durio."
