STUDENT COALITION VISITS THE BIG APPLE

By MIMI BADU

MIMI BADU FOR WIZARD WEEKLY

On Tuesday, December 13th, Washingtonville’s Student Coalition advisors, Ms. Hall and Mrs. Angelillo, took the students of Washingtonville High School on a trip to New York City to see the best part of being in the Big Apple during the holidays: the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. Not only did they see the 94 feet tall tree, but the group started the night with dinner at John’s Pizzeria.  The evening was topped off with shopping at Times Square.

Before the trip began, students were asked, “What are you looking most forward to on this trip to New York City?”  Senior Iris Clavell responded with, “ I'm looking forward to finally spending time with my friends where we are not worrying about colleges or homework. I'm excited to be in a different atmosphere and doing something new that is out of my everyday routine.”  The aura on the bus heading towards the awaiting destination was full of excitement. Students were definitely eager to get away from their small town and enter a big city full of many journeys if only for one day. 

At 3 pm, eighty-four students emptied out of the middle cafeteria and entered three different buses. The last bus was loaded with 13 students being advised by Ms. Hall who has been an advisor for the coalition for a few years. On the bus ride, students sang and danced along to music, took selfies and played games.

At 5 pm, The energy on the bus was at its peak due to the fact that the bus was getting closer to its first stop in the city. Although everyone was excited to go sightseeing, the only thing on their minds at that moment was Italian food. So, when the bus came to a halt twenty minutes later, students emptied out of the yellow buses and became tourists of New York City. 

At approximately 5:30 pm, the Wizards entered John’s Pizzeria, a restaurant located in midtown New York. Since the group was so large, they were seated in a reserved area in the back. They started with an appetizer that consisted of garlic bread and a salad. About fifteen minutes later, dinner was placed on the “all you can eat” table.  The students were able to choose from multiple pizzas such as cheese, spinach and ricotta, sausage and tomato. Along with the pizza, calzones were served.  Next came the sweets. Students and advisors were treated to cannoli, chocolate chip cookies, brownies and many more famous Italian desserts. The restaurant was gorgeous; it was located in a 19th century church so it had beautiful stained glass windows and balcony level seating. Being able to eat delicious Italian food while in an historic building was an extraordinary experience that the members of Student Coalition will not soon forget.

At 7:25 pm, the group had finally arrived at the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. The holiday season has not officially begun in New York until the famous tree is lit. The area was very crowded, not unlike Times Square, making it hard to take pictures.  Somehow, everyone managed to get the coveted shot of the tree.  Yes, on television it looks outstanding, but High Definition does not do this magnificent tree justice.  Much to the coalition’s delight, there was a wedding taking place across the street as they were leaving for their next stop. 

At 8:10 pm the group arrived at the heart of Times Square. The bright lights, diversity, history, and entertainment in one location never ceases to amaze. Students had twenty minutes to shop around, but being in such a fascinating city, nothing was as affordable as shopping in our small town. 

There is nothing better than New York City during the holidays.  Something is happening around every corner, making it difficult to take in the scenery and surroundings. Every visit to New York City brings new and exciting experiences.