HADDAM, Conn. — Story by Caitlin Kukta, Haddam KIllingworth High School
For the past 34 years Haddam Killingworth students have organized, directed and hosted the Haddam-Killingworth holiday show.
The show is a three hour long telethon where people around the state can call in and donate to an amazing cause. The TV students at the high school have already begun preparing for the 35th holiday show which will air December 22nd, from 8 -11a.m.
The telethon is almost entirely student run with help from Mrs. Topa-Finberg, TV media teacher and Mr. Kane, the school's AV technician.
Molly O’Neal is an associate producer for the holiday show. This this will be her second year. "I call this my signature project but I do a music video every year, though I didn't do it freshman year. I've just been gravitating towards music videos and I just like how everybody can just come together and dance and just have fun.” said O’Neal, HKTV student.
Many of the students behind the scenes take on multiple roles throughout the show. Lindsay Blade, a junior is directing, floor directing, and doing utility work.
Past years have raised thousands of dollars for various organizations. This year's beneficiary will be Kindness Over Muscular Dystrophy. All money raised by HKTV’s Holiday Telethon will go to KOMD to support their search for more research and hopefully a cure for this disease.
During the show there are performances from elementary schools around town. The high school music department has several performances and interviews are conducted with members of the school and those from the KOMD organization, including the founders and their sons.
The holiday show is an event cherished by the entire HK community and it is a tradition that will allow amazing people to support amazing causes.
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