NAHANT — Community members spent a festive morning at Johnson Elementary School on Friday, as a crowd of proud parents gathered to attend the school’s “All Aboard the Polar Express” holiday concert.
Led by Principal Heather Castonguay and Music Director Jessica Puga, Castonguay read “The Polar Express” with songs that were paired with scenes from the book. The performance featured a combination of Kindergarten students as well as kids from grades 1-3.
Songs that students performed included “Hot Chocolate,” by Stephanie Leavell, “North Pole Rock N’ Roll,” by Teresa Jennings, “I Want to be an Elf,” by Jennings, “Jingle Jive,” by Jennings, “Christmas Morning,” by Bike Wilson, and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” by Jennings.
Castonguay said she was overwhelmed by the number of family members and residents who rallied together for the event, thanking them for supporting Johnson School’s young musicians. The crowd was so big that every seat was taken, with a line of parents stretched across the back of the room.
With the dense crowd packed tightly into the cafeteria and auditorium area, Puga noted that the students had been practicing their performance for six weeks, though this week was the first time the classes practiced in unison.
“This community is truly something special, and it’s very obvious by the fact that this concert is so packed,” Puga said.
Superintendent of Schools Rob Liebow, who was unable to attend the event, expressed his gratitude to Puga for doing an excellent job during her first year in the position. He emphasized how the students know the deep importance of the holiday season and was glad to know they provided joy to the community.
