Roosevelt Elementary Students Attend An Evening At Hogwarts

Students from Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School turned out Friday evening, October 2, for “An Evening At Hogwarts.” Many dressed as favorite characters from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter book series and stepped into an elementary school transformed into the halls and grounds of Hogwarts Castle.

Students went on a scavenger hunt to find “horcruxes” as in the book series, made Marauder’s Maps, learned how to cast a magic charm to levitate balloon owls and played Quidditch in Teddy Bear Park under the tutelage of Principal Dr. Jennifer Meglemre, dressed as character Rolanda Hooch.

Organized by Meglemre, teacher Andrea Seale and parent Brent Geris, the event combined a fun evening of imagination with a small fundraiser.

Geris, owner of Studio City magic shop The Magic Apple, donated $5 from every sale of the newly-released, illustrated Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone book to the school. Approximately $350 was raised for Roosevelt from book and food sales.

Youngsters tested their Harry Potter trivia knowledge, made a golden Snitch, found out their patronus, learned to make potions and received mandrake cupcakes. Students also learned how to care for magical creatures and defense against the dark arts.

Hogwarts/Roosevelt kids earned points for their respective houses along with chocolate frogs and prizes for themselves, in addition to a certificate at the end of the evening for completing all the activities.

“We had a great turn out,” commented Meglemre. “I was busy down at the Quidditch field all night teaching kids to play Quidditch.”

The Evening At Hogwarts culminated with a costume contest in the Great Hall, otherwise known as the school auditorium. More than 25 students participated in the contest.

Four students received prizes for their costumes: Emelia DeOliveira dressed as Hedwig, Zoey Johnson as Luna Lovegood, Aidan Means as Quidditch-playing Harry and Scarlett McQuaide for Hermione. Warner Brothers donated Harry Potter T-shirts and hats for prizes.