Babylon teacher to once again host special Thanksgiving breakfast
Beth Marinelli's K-2 students will once again host a very special Thanksgiving breakfast for the school community this year. Credit: Newsday/Steve Pfost
Babylon special education teacher Beth Marinelli wants the school community to see how hardworking her K-2 students are — and she’ll make it known with a special Thanksgiving breakfast.
On Nov. 20, for the 15th year, Marinelli’s students will serve breakfast to up to 50 adults. Invited guests include the Babylon school district superintendent, school board members, the school nurse, custodians, teachers, aides, secretaries and more. The breakfast begins at 9:30 a.m. in the classroom, with heaping helpings — seconds included — of French toast, oatmeal, fresh fruit, muffins and bagels.
The goal, Marinelli said, is “for these children to be confident in themselves and know that they can achieve anything they put their hearts and minds to.”
The students put a lot of prep work into the event, Marinelli said, and do all they can to replicate the experience of dining at a cozy Long Island breakfast spot during the holiday season.
“We practice saying all the food items on the menu, they each get their own menu with a clipboard and they dress up like a little chef,” she said. When not busy putting breakfast platters in front of hungry guests, she adds, “They [the students] go around with microphones and ask, “What are you thankful for?’’
Marinelli grew up in North Babylon, graduated from St. Anthony’s High School in South Huntington and earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in special education and reading from Dowling College in Oakdale. She’s been teaching special education for 34 years, receiving accolades from both her school administrators and parents.
Student Carlvens Lamothe serves breakfast to Babylon Elementary School Principal Thomas Keogh in 2025. Credit: Babylon Union Free School District
“Beth Marinelli is the quintessential marigold, bringing positivity, warmth and encouragement to every interaction with students, staff and families,” said Babylon Superintendent Carisa Manza. “Her unwavering optimism and genuine care for others help cultivate a welcoming and supportive school environment.”
Danielle Brocco’s son Ryan, now 9, played a big role during the event several years ago, she recalled. He was the official greeter and announcer, and even told a few jokes for the crowd.
“She always puts her students in view so anybody can see what they can do,” Brocco said. “She creates a classroom students love coming to.”
Marinelli even inspired her own children to become teachers. Her son, Chad Marinelli, 26, teaches seventh-grade math at Alverta B. Gray Shultz Middle School in Hempstead. Her daughter, Madelyn Marinelli, 23, is a special education teacher at Signal Hill Elementary School in Dix Hills.
“My mom is my greatest role model,” Madelyn said in a text message. “Her lifelong devotion to special education is the sole reason I chose to follow in her footsteps.”
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