Christmas In The Summer: Teens Visit Seniors At Montclair Nursing Home

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A burst of Christmas cheer recently took place at a nursing home in Montclair – about six months early.

Last month, a group of volunteer student-athletes visited Van Dyk Health Care to throw a “Christmas in July” bash for the residents.

The event was organized by Athletes for Good, a student-led service initiative based at Glen Ridge High School. Founded by local students John Leone and Kieran Leiber, the group empowers student athletes to lead service projects that foster “leadership, empathy and civic engagement.”

Athletes from Glen Ridge, Ridgewood, West Essex, Seton Hall Prep, Delbarton and Weequahic high schools took part in the visit, leading cookie decorating stations, performing live music and spending time with residents.

A good time was had by all, organizers said:

“The cookie decorating station was a hit, thanks to Babula’s Baking Project, started by Katya Perchonok and helper Lola Griffith of West Essex High School. Christmas carols filled the room as Matthew Moomjy, a rower from Ridgewood High School and member of the Maroon Men, led the singing. Just when things seemed to settle, volunteers told residents they needed to step out for ‘a gallon of milk’ but it was all part of the surprise. Moments later, 6-foot-4 student athlete John Leone entered the room in a red velvet Santa suit, letting out a booming ‘Ho, ho, ho!’ and asking each resident if they’d been naughty or nice. His elf crew Leiber, Sicoli, Lyons and Fazekas—followed behind, handing out wrapped gifts to every resident. The room filled with laughter, proving that a little imagination (and a red suit) can turn an ordinary summer day into something unforgettable.”

“This wasn’t just about giving back,” said Glen Ridge senior Annabel Koss-DeFrank, a student representative for Athletes for Good.

“While a lot of people are away or at the beach in the summer, some seniors go weeks without visitors,” Koss-DeFrank said. “We just wanted to show up and let them know they’re not forgotten.”

Mason Kamil and Brennan Lyons of Seton Hall Prep said they’re proud to represent their school and hope to inspire others to get involved.

“We’d love to see more of our teammates serve with us,” Kamil said. “There’s nothing like stepping outside yourself and doing something that makes someone else’s day.”

“Get rid of the old stereotype about athletes,” coach Chris Strumolo said. “They’re not just jocks. These kids are leaders, role models and some of the most compassionate individuals I’ve ever coached.”

Participants included Glen Ridge High School student athletes John Leone, Kieran Leiber, Tyler Kamil, Brady Gold, Greyson Walton, Annabel Koss-DeFrank, Maddie Nichols, Anabel Mira-McKenzie and Hunter Sicoli; Mason Kamil and Brennan Lyons of Seton Hall Prep; Alex Fazekas of Delbarton; Keiron Johnson, Michael Reuben, Boez Pean and Emani Bradley of Weequahic High School; Matthew Moomjy from Ridgewood High School and his effort, Maroon Tunes and Katya Perchonok and Lola Griffith of West Essex High School. They were joined by Glen Ridge football coaches Chris Strumolo and Marc Polynice.

“This is the new model of leadership,” said Carey Reilly Leone, parent advisor to the group. “These students are rewriting what it means to be a teammate by showing up for their communities in big, meaningful ways.”

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