Happy Day Celebrates Teachers, Students at Fairley

HANNIBAL – Fairley Elementary teachers and staff members were all smiles as they celebrated the school’s annual Happy Day event.

The tradition, which has occurred on the last school day of the year for more than 40 years, has served as an opportunity for students to thank teachers and staff members for helping them reach and exceed academic, social and/or behavioral goals.

Fourth grade students took turns thanking various groups of school employees and volunteers who made the year successful. Bus drivers, custodians,

Hannibal Central School District Superintendent Chris Staats, the HCSD Board of Education, teachers, teaching assistants, school nurse and support team, along with staff members of the office and kitchen, were all recognized for their efforts.

“You have taught us many things that will help us in the future,” one student said.

Happy Day was full of several fun highlights, including a bus parade in which drivers showed their thanks to students for being respectful on the buses all school year.

“152 is here for you,” was printed on a banner for bus no. 152.

As part of the celebration, Fairley Elementary also was gifted several copies of the book, “Peace is an Offering,” from Rosemary Occhino, wife of former Fairley Elementary Principal Dr. Joseph Occhino, who died in 2008.

Mr. Occhino started the Happy Day tradition during his tenure at Fairley.

Principal Jody Musa, who remembers Happy Day from the time he attended Fairley Elementary, honored seven retirees by presenting them with a yellow rose.

He also thanked the students for their willingness to learn at Fairley.

After well wishes for a safe, healthy and happy summer leading up to the 2017-18 school year, students and teachers danced their way out of the assembly to the song, “Happy” by Pharrell Williams.

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