The Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Town of West Hartford, and West Hartford Public Schools collaborated to to celebrate ‘Howard Day’ on Friday.

By Ronni Newton

Nine-year-old Howard, a student in Eric Feeney’s third-grade classroom at Wolcott Elementary School, is critically ill and has faced some dark days, but on Friday afternoon everyone’s spirits were high as his school community, West Hartford’s police and fire departments, and many others gather together to celebrate “Howard Day” through a collaboration with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Howard’s parents, Stephen and Jeannine, and his younger sister, joined in the celebration as well.

The festivities began at Wolcott’s Friday afternoon town meeting, with the proclamation of “Howard Day” read by Board of Education Chair Lorna Thomas-Farquharson.

Despite his health battles, Howard’s teacher said he “has worked hard every day of his life and is always a joyful warrior.” He loves music, dancing, and thinks all dogs are celebrities. He also loves Sesame Street, his parents said – as fifth graders began singing “Sunny Days/How to Get to Sesame Street,” and were joined by Cookie Monster, Elmo, Baby Shark, and some other special characters.

“Howard adds a special spark to our classroom and the entire school,” said Feeney. “He is a wonderful student, classmate, and friend!”

The school day ended, but Howard Day was far from over. Fire Chief Greg Priest and Police Chief Vernon Riddick had organized a special escort. Members of the police and fire departments, and families who joined in a car parade, headed to Howard’s nearby home. Police officers from other towns joined the procession as well.

As the guest of honor, Howard met West Hartford Police K-9 Onyx and his handler, sat in a fire truck and on a motorcycle, and got to peek through the opening on the top of the police department’s bearcat and explore some other equipment.

“Frequently we hear about the uniqueness of Wolcott. We see and feel that daily in multiple places and in multiple ways. The response of the school community and its support of Howard and his wonderful family are testaments to that uniqueness,” noted Principal Scott Dunn. “Thank you for your kind and giving hearts,” Dunn told those who organized the event.

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