Friday, February 14, 2025
Mayor Robert Kennedy honored the contributions of students from Woodward Children’s Center in December with citations during a special ceremony who brought brought holiday cheer to Freeport by repairing and setting up Christmas lights across the village.
As part of Woodward’s vocational program, the students spent weeks in the fall restoring the iconic decorations that brightened Main Street and nearby areas throughout the festive season.
The initiative took shape after Ken Dookram, President of the Freeport Chamber of Commerce, proposed involving Woodward’s vocational students. This partnership proved beneficial for both the students and the community.
The project also provided the students with practical, hands-on experience.
“They learned about teamwork,” said Greg Ingino, Woodward’s Executive Director. “One person would fix the socket, another would be putting in the bulb, and another would test it. It was part of our pre-vocational program, learning how to work on a real job.”
“(We feel really) happy because I think we did a very nice and wonderful job,” said James Eick, a senior at Woodward and one of the students who helped repair the lights. Established 65 years ago, Woodward Children’s Center serves students from kindergarten through age 21, including those with emotional challenges and on the autism spectrum. The center emphasizes hands-on learning experiences that equip students for life beyond school.
Freeport’s holiday lights symbolized more than seasonal joy—they reflected a united community, with Woodward’s students helping to illuminate the way.
Founded 65 years ago, Woodward Children’s Center serves children from kindergarten to age 21, including those with emotional challenges and on the autistic spectrum.
The center focuses on providing practical, hands-on experiences that prepare students for life after school. Freeport’s lights were not just a symbol of the holiday season but a reflection of a community coming together—and the students of Woodward helped light the way.
“The Freeport Chamber of Commerce, residents, and myself want to thank great children in Woodward school for their time and effort in testing and repairing all the holiday decorations being placed throughout the Village,” said Mayor Kennedy.
