Each year, the elementary schools celebrate Flag Day in their own unique way on Friday, June 13 and this year was no different. With weeks of preparation, memorizing lyrics, dance moves, speeches, and the side scoot, this year was a celebration to remember.

Forest Lake Elementary second graders kicked off the day in an entertaining way during its annual Flag Day ceremony. America's most patriotic songs like God Bless America were performed. As the band played The Star-Spangled Banner played, the audience stood together humming as the song filled the air. The Fifty Nifty United States song was a hit to students in the audience as they remembered singing it while they were in the 2nd grade not long ago. Daughters of the American Revolution – Jerusalem Chapter essay winner for the 5th grade, Dennis Carey, took a moment to read his award winning entry, “What the Flag of the United States Means to Me.”

Mandalay Elementary first graders kicked off Flag Day filed into the gymnasium sitting criss cross applesauce for their student assembly. Students understood the assignment which was to dress in patriotic colors in honor of the American flag. Patriotic songs like America the Beautiful, God Bless America and Star-Spangled Banner were performed along with Fifty Nifty United States song which was a crowd favorite! Before each performance, students recited short speeches in pairs sharing the relevance of Flag Day with the audience before their signature Mandalay Scoot back to their positions.

Wantagh Elementary celebrated Flag Day with their student-studded signature flash mob choreographed dance to Proud to be an American, Miley Cyrus’ Party in the USA, and Katy Perry’s Fireworks turning the front lawn of the school red, white, and blue, as family and friends looked on. The entire second grade sang special songs for the audience, and former Wantagh Elementary student Brendan O’Callaghan played Taps. 

This year, Math Olympiads Highest Individual Scorer was Addison Aquila, who was recognized with a medal presented by club advisor Mrs. Jessica Faranda.  Wantagh Elementary alumni Ariana Aufiero, Gianna Arteca, Gavin Diegnan, Luke Perfetti, Matthew Riley, Hannah Doyle, and Liza Wasnieski were each recognized as the recipient of the PTA Senior Scholarship previously awarded during senior awards night.

Additionally, students were recognized for displaying excellent character and sportsmanship in Physical Education, for participating in Student Council, for being Fifth Grade Helpers and for participating in the PTA Reflections contest, and for having their art selected for display in a county-wide exhibit.