Kids serve parents at Annual Spaghetti Dinner

by Rose Sgarlato
SPARTA — Welcome to “Pasta La Vista” at Helen Morgan Elementary School last Friday, April 20, where the 17th Annual Spaghetti Dinner took place.
At this longstanding tradition, fourth graders play role reversal dressing up as servers waiting on tables and feeding their families an Italian feast.
Organized by Helen Morgan PTO, co-chaired by Evalina Jones and Sue Piemonte, with the help of many volunteers, the cafeteria was transformed into an Italian restaurant called “Pasta la Vista.” All the fourth grade classes submitted their suggestions for the restaurant name; the top three choices were culled down and Principal Doug Layman chose Pasta la Vista.
There were about 480 attendees, including the fourth graders and their families over the three seatings. The festive atmosphere and teamwork brought out the best work ethic in the students.
“I love to get to serve my parents,” Gianna Cortese said.
Sharing the shift with Gianna was friend Paige Shabeen.
“And it’s fun to work with our friends,” Paige said.
A group effort from parent volunteers and donations from local businesses made the night a success.
“A big huge thank you to all of our donors who helped make our 17th annual Spaghetti Dinner a success," said Enza De Nicola, a parent volunteer. "Bill from Villa Capri II donated all of the pasta and meatballs. He has done this for the past three years for us and it’s a tremendous donation and help to the HMS PTO. We are forever grateful. It is such a great family event for our 4th graders. The excitement on their faces is priceless and worth all of the hard work and effort put into the planning.”
De Nicola also thanked: Eric’s Deli & Catering , Costco, Weiss, Shop Rite, Party World and the Piemonte and Jones families.
“The effort and coordination by our volunteers was amazing," said Wendy Fossett, another parent volunteer. "They worked so hard on every little detail. The culmination of witnessing the students excitedly serve their families is such a magical thing. It is truly is a great event."