During the month of April, Waldorf students in grades 4 through 12 took part in a “Practice-a-Thon.” Proceeds from this event benefited Winthrop University Hospital’s Cancer Center for Kids, the largest outpatient facility for treating children with cancer and blood disorders in Nassau County. “It was such a pleasure to work with the children of the Waldorf School of Garden City. Right out of the gate they showed such enthusiasm for our program,” said Ashley Carlo, Development Specialist at Winthrop’s Cancer Center for Kids.

“My thanks to the Waldorf students who documented their daily practice as well as their sponsors who pledged donations for each minute the students practiced,” said Waldorf’s orchestra director Dr. Dale Stuckenbruck.

When the results came in, a total of 10,533 minutes were practiced and over $2,120 was raised. “Not only did our students practice for a good cause, but their music skills improved dramatically over the course of a month,” said Dr. Stuckenbruck. “All the students applied themselves to practicing every day and raised money and awareness for a very important cause.”

The response for the “Practice-a-Thon” was overwhelming. Remarked Dr. Stuckenbruck, “It is especially rewarding when practicing a musical instrument results in greater inner awareness that can also be related to creating a better world for others.”

The top three students who practiced the greatest amount of time were 4th grader Henry Bertoni, 5th grader Mia Verpault and 6th grader Alessandra Fraim.