Mistress of Ceremonies: Joyce Kulhawik, plus Vocalists, Musicians, Wayland School bands. Complimentary Dessert Reception at Intermission. Tickets: $40 per person
(Child care: $10 per child at Happy Hollow School —- Reserve spot now 508-358-3755). Send checks to: Wayland METCO Program, P.O. Box 408, Wayland, MA 01778 or pay online at www.wayland.k12.ma.us (Click DONATION). Telephone: 508-358-3755
The afternoon of entertainment is one of several fundraisers underway to restore the METCO late buses at all levels in the district and to reinstate the after-school elementary program.
Unanticipated state budget cuts led to the elimination of the buses even after the school year had started, explained Mabel Reid-Wallace, METCO director for the Wayland Public Schools. The lack of late buses means Boston resident students are unable to participate fully in school activities, such as academic support, music, drama, and art programs, sports teams, clubs, and social events.
“We may face further cuts this year because of the state budget crisis,” she added. “For this event, our goal is to fill the auditorium. It’s a win-win situation for those who come. You’re supporting a good cause while you get to enjoy a wonderful array of entertainment. And, it’s very different from other events.”
Tickets are $40 per person and include a complimentary dessert reception during intermission; the Wayland High School Jazz Band will play during this time. Child care is available for $10 per child from 3 pm to 6 pm at Happy Hollow School. John Berry, Loker and Happy Hollow School Physical Education teacher, is providing child care supervision with a team of assistants.
Joyce Kulhawik, a well-known WBT-TV arts and entertainment anchor for 20 year, is emceeing the entertainment portion of the afternoon, while The TJX Companies, Inc., is coordinating the Fashion Show. DeMoulas Supermarkets is providing desserts for the reception, and all of the performers are donating their time.
Musicians and vocalists represent many facets of the school district and community. They include: the Mid-Life Crisis band, Wayland Middle School Music Teacher Stephen Murray, Music Teacher Bernadette Vanaria and Teaching Assistant Mary Patterson from Claypit Hill School, Kathy Hodge of Wayland School Community Programs, and Bryn Clayton, Wayland High School graduate, Class of 1997.
Modeling TJX fashions will be 20 Wayland administrators, teachers, and students. Students will also participate as members of the Wayland Middle School Jazz Band, Wayland Middle School Select Chorus, and the Wayland High School Jazz Ensemble.
Other highlights will include a vocal performance by Thea Reid, Ms. Reid-Wallace’s sister, and vocalist Sharla Castillo of Boston, an American Idol contestant who advanced several rounds, making it all the way to Hollywood.
The program is garnering support from neighboring Weston as well, with Weston’s METCO Director David Fuller performing with his daughter Lauren.
All of the proceeds from the event will benefit the late buses. It is one of several initiatives designed to raise $73,000 to offset the state budget cuts. "On behalf of the children, I would like to thank the community for its overwhelming support through these challenging times," Ms. Reid-Wallace said.
Happy Hollow School Grade 5 teacher Conrad Gees participated in a 100-mile bike ride to raise funds for the program and a tailgating party at a Wayland High School home football game helped the effort. An appeal letter was also sent to all Wayland households, Reid-Wallace said.
To purchase tickets, send checks for $40 per person to: Wayland METCO Program, P.O. Box 408, Wayland, MA 01778 or pay online at www.wayland.k12.ma.us (click DONATION).
For more information about Wayland METCO, call 508-358-3755 or visit the school district website at www.wayland.k12.ma.us.
