Harborfields Central School District

The Harborfields Central School District came together for an inspiring evening of reflection, celebration, and communiy during its 34^th annual Black History Month celebration, honoring the theme, “34 years of black commemoration,” on Thursday, February 5.  

The evening opened with students leading the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a powerful musical performance by Emily Norton, Alanah Delvois, London DelVecchio, and Anjali Rampersaud, who performed both “The Star Spangled Banner” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Dr. Manning welcomed families, students, staff, and community members, setting the tone for a meaningful night of reflection and celebration. The program was thoughtfully guided by Masters of Ceremonies Ms. Monique Keith-Golding, along with two student co-hosts, who led the audience through the evening seamlessly. 

A variety of student performances inspired and uplifted the audience through music and poetry. Highlights included: 

• Washington Drive students featuring Ms. O’Donoghue, Mr. Coppola, and Ms. Lemieux performing “Hall of Fame.”
• Thomas J. Lahey students under the direction of Ms. Drzewiecki performing “Sir Duke” by Stevie Wonder. 
• A game of Mr. Shade-themed Kahoot, led by Mr. Barret.
• A reading of Langston Hughes’ poem, “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” by OMS students Giovanna Waller and Jaliyah Victor.
• An original poem entitled “Still Writing” shared by high school student Katleynne Figueroa. 
• Student band Running Statues performed Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode.” 
• Student band Atomic Pandas performed “Fire” by Jimi Hendrix. 
• Former student Ashley Deronvil performed a personal favorite. 
• Ninth graders Abby Kelly and Alani Spence performed “For Good” from Wicked. 

The district was also proud to honor Mr. Jeff Shade, who will be retiring at the end of the school year, for his 32 years of dedicated service to the Black History Celebration committee and the Harborfields community. Tribute speakers including Ms. Corr, Mr. Hendrick, Ms. Karpenske, Ms. Aherns, Mr. Hsiao, and Harborfields alumni, Eli Johnson, shared heartfelt reflections on Mr. Shade’s lasting impact on generations of students. Mr. Shade gave the keynote address and reflected on all the things Harborfields has given him, both as a child and as an educator. He highlighted the importance of history, legacy, and opportunity. 

Before the night was over, Dr. DeLorenzo invited the planning committee to the stage. This meaningful night would not be possible without their collective efforts. As a final token, the committee presented Mr. Shade with his very own Harborfields “32” jersey and jacket. 

The evening will long be remembered, just as Mr. Shade’s legacy will continue to be felt throughout Harborfields for years to come.