Lights, camera, action! It was that time of year again at the North Royalton Elementary School (NRES) - the much-anticipated return to the classroom. And this year, the administration had a special surprise in store for the students and their families. In just one day along, it was viewed more than 2,000 times.
For the past four years, NRES had been kicking off the school year with a beloved tradition - the Welcome Back video. This year, the creative team behind the production was ready to take it to new heights, infusing it with the magical world of Disney's Aladdin.
The brains behind the “Wiggle Room Production” operation were none other than the dynamic trio of Nathan Costello (PE teacher), Dana Kesselem (school counselor), and Vince Ketterer (Grade Level Principal). These three had proved their talent the previous year, when they had put on a Little Mermaid-themed extravaganza, with Mr. Costello starring as the lovable Flounder and Mr. Ketterer channeling his inner Sebastian.
As the opening staff meeting approached, the anticipation was high. The teachers eagerly awaited the premiere of the latest installment, knowing full well that their students and families would be equally enchanted. The lights dimmed, and the familiar Disney song and NRES building appeared on the screen. Suddenly, the audience was transported to “a whole new world” - one where the NRES faculty had become the stars of Agrabah.
PE Teacher Nathan Costello, was Aladdin, and welcomed the viewers to the magical land, while Assistant Principal Lesley Smith, in a Jasmine-inspired costume, shared the excitement of a new school year. And, of course, Principal 3-4 Vince Ketterer once again stole the show when he transformed into the Genie as well as Abu, the monkey, ready to grant wishes and bring laughter to all. Lead Principal Kirk Pavelich was Sultan And PreK-Kindergarten Principal Mike McGinnis was Jafar.
Year after year, the NRES Welcome Back video had become a cherished tradition, a way to kick off the academic year with a touch of Disney magic. And with the creative team at the helm, the students and families knew that the best was yet to come.