The closing of the Spring 2012 semester marks its end with many activities on campus, including Success Center’s annual Lip Sync Contest. On Tuesday, local children who participated in Success Center this year performed in the End Zone. For those not familiar with the program, the Success Center has been on campus for over 15 years and offers at-risk children from the New Rochelle community extra help with their school work. These children are paired with Iona students who not only operate as a tutor to the children, but more importantly as role models. The program supports over 30 students, running from kindergarten to eighth grade. It is supported through the Center for Campus Ministries and several donors who provide books, materials and food. Students, parents, tutors and new donors also come together as one to raise money for the Success Center so it can continue to be in existence. Last year the program director and Iona graduate Ashley Napoli, along with student campus minister Kelley Tucker, looked for ways to raise money for the program. Both wanted a fun and interactive way to involve students and let kids just be kids. Eventually, Tucker came up with the idea of a Lip Sync Contest. Students would go on stage and mouth the words to their favorite songs and develop their own dance routines. Although many were not very receptive of the idea initially, students quickly grew into it. The students formed their own teams and danced to their favorite songs. Last year there were songs by Justin Bieber and Katy Perry. This year there was “Party Rock” and not surprisingly Justin Bieber again for the third grade girls. Many local restaurants and community members were more than willing to pitch in for this event. North Avenue mainstays like the Mirage Diner and the Avenue Deli donated gift certificates for the event’s raffle. The event is reflective of the close-knit feel of the whole program. “The kids grow closer bonds with each other and their tutors during all of the pre-performance practices,” Napoli said. “It involves the parents in a great way as well. They are so generous with food and other donations to make this a spectacular event.” Current student campus ministers sophomore Jessalyn Marconi and junior Gaby Witt took over Tucker’s role and were excited for the event’s second run. “It’s nice to see the children having fun and dancing to their favorite songs on stage after a year of working diligently,” said Marconi. “The kids practiced for weeks, and each group was passionate about bringing home the winning trophy.” The event was a huge success through fundraising and the support of parents and Iona students alike. Although many are disappointed the program is done for the year, the joyous smiles of all the students after they performed was the best way to end a great year.