Council Member James F. Gennaro’s Support and Principal Josette Pizarro’s Vision Shine at P.S. 220Q’s “Hats Off to Broadway”
Progga News Desk:
Queens’ respected academic institution, P.S. 220Q - The Edward Mandel School, came alive with music, creativity, and community pride during its vibrant cultural showcase, “Hats Off to Broadway.” The event stood as a powerful testament to the visionary leadership of Principal Josette Pizarro and the dedicated support of Council Member James F Gennaro.
Held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, the program was proudly funded through the New York City Council’s CASA (Cultural After-School Adventures) Initiative, made possible by the sponsorship of Council Member Gennaro. The initiative continues to expand access to arts education for public school students across the city.
Students delivered an energetic lineup of Broadway-style musical performances, including A Musical, Where Is Teddi?, Head Over Heels, Shine Your Light, Consider Yourself, We’re All in This Together, and The Lullaby of Broadway. Each number reflected months of preparation and showcased the students’ growing confidence, talent, and stage presence. The auditorium was filled with applause as families and community members celebrated the young performers.
Behind the success of the evening was Principal Josette Pizarro’s steadfast commitment to arts education. Known for her forward-thinking leadership, Pizarro has consistently championed programs that nurture not only academic achievement but also creativity, collaboration, and self-expression. She firmly believes that education extends beyond textbooks—that music, theater, and the performing arts play a vital role in building students’ confidence, teamwork skills, and leadership abilities.
“Hats Off to Broadway” served as a clear reflection of that philosophy in action.
Teachers, parents, and staff members noted that such a large-scale production would not have been possible without Principal Pizarro’s hands-on involvement and encouragement. From overseeing preparations to motivating students to perform at their best, her leadership was evident throughout the process.
The production was guided by Inside Broadway Teaching Artist Abdu Hytrek, whose professional direction helped students deliver polished performances. CASA Liaison Zoraya Torres coordinated key aspects of the program, while Assistant Principals Maria Panagiotakis and Jessica Maldonado played important supporting roles in ensuring the event’s success.
At the conclusion of the evening, parents and guests praised both Council Member Gennaro for his continued investment in arts education and Principal Pizarro for her dedication to fostering a dynamic, inclusive learning environment.
More than just a school performance, the event represented a celebration of creativity, leadership, and community partnership—highlighting how public support and visionary school leadership can come together to create transformative opportunities for students.
