Way to Go! Smithtown West student organizes first-ever street fair

A Smithtown High School West student recently coordinated her school's first-ever street fair — and helped to raise more than $2,700 for veterans in the process.

Gianna Cangro, a junior, came up with the idea for the fair through a school leadership class and was able to secure nearly four dozen vendors. The vendors, who each paid $35 to appear, sold items ranging from jewelry to photography in the school's parking lot on June 4, she said.

Cangro's other efforts included securing face painters and a DJ, the latter of which was a parent who donated his time. She also solicited donations of raffle items from local businesses and secured a food truck with help from her school's Parent Teacher Student Association.

The funds benefited the nonprofit Heros 4 Our Heroes. 

"I've seen street fairs happen and I thought this would be a good idea for the school," Cangro, 17, said. Of the fair, she said: "I thought it was a great time; everything coming together and seeing all the community enjoying themselves … was just great to see."

Cangro also tutors younger students in her school district and is a member of her school's Class Council and National, Math and Social Studies honor societies. In addition, she helps to coach her district's middle schoolers in kickline and has volunteered for the nonprofit Wreaths Across America.

— MICHAEL R. EBERT

By Michael R. Ebert

michael.ebert@newsday.com

Michael R. Ebert is an education researcher and has worked for Newsday in various capacities since 2003. He was part of an 11-person team named as 2008 Pulitzer Prize finalists for investigative coverage of the LIRR's platform safety issues.