The following article was submitted by Seymour Middle School Principal Keith O’Rourke.
SEYMOUR – On Monday, December 8th, the promise of bedazzlement was fulfilled at Seymour Middle School when our eighth-grade students watched six brave staff and community members have their heads fully bedazzled—in celebration of a remarkable achievement.
This fall, SMS students raised 428 turkeys for our annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive, shattering the previous school record of 228 set just last year.
The fun began when School Resource Officer Corey Tomasella issued a challenge, promising that if students collected 350 turkeys, he would allow his head to be bedazzled. Not only did our students meet the challenge—they surpassed it. Officer Tomasella then recruited additional volunteers, including Principal Keith O’Rourke and Assistant Principal Ernie DiStasi, to join in the festivities. When First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis learned about the event, she amplified the excitement by posting photos and a Facebook Live update, sparking community enthusiasm and support.
Soon after, eighth grade Language Arts teachers Joe Carrafiello and Mike Nimons, along with Fire Chief Chris Edwards, joined the growing list of participants. In total, six volunteers had their heads glittered, jeweled, and decorated with flair by a group of raffle-winning students selected to perform the bedazzling honors.
The event was filled with smiles, laughter, and school spirit—but more importantly, it reinforced an important message: civic responsibility matters, and when a community comes together for a good cause, amazing things can happen. Our eighth graders not only helped feed families for the holidays—they proved we can do meaningful work while having fun along the way.
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