Editor’s Note: In honor of the many everyday Staten Islanders who give back, make change, inspire others, advocate and/or care about their community, we are highlighting some of the standouts, and honoring them as Staten Island’s Brightest Lights of 2025.
Staten Island’s Brightest Lights of 2025: Emily Howell & her princesses
Emily Howell, 21, has special needs, and worked incredibly hard to graduate from high school.
And like many young women her age, Emily is enchanted by princesses—especially Belle from “Beauty and the Beast.”
When her dad sought someone who could show up at Emily’s graduation party as Belle to surprise her, he got so much more: a group of strangers learned of the party on Facebook, and went above-and-beyond to make Emily herself into a princess for the day.
“Emily was aglow the whole time,” a participant said.
Here is their story, originally published July 7, 2025:
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Sometimes, all it takes is a Facebook post to turn strangers into friends—and a graduation into a fairytale.
On a sunny afternoon this June, a young woman named Emily celebrated more than just her high school graduation—she celebrated the love and unity of a Staten Island community that came together to make her dream come true.
Emily Howell, 21, has special needs. She is partially blind, has limited motor skills, and has worked incredibly hard to graduate from high school.
And like many young women her age, Emily is enchanted by princesses—especially Belle from “Beauty and the Beast.”
As her graduation day approached, her father—an employee at Northwell Health—searched for someone to dress as Belle and surprise his daughter at her celebration.
His co-worker, Danielle Fermaint Branch, also an employee at Northwell, stepped up to help in the quest for someone to portray the Disney princess.
Branch even posted in a Staten Island community page on Facebook to reach more people.
Emily Howell, 21-year-old student with special needs, was surprised at her high school graduation party with a special appearence by Princess Belle (portrayed by Olivia Voto) and custom jewelry by Maryann Piazza, pictured, left. (Courtesy Maryann Piazza)Courtesy Maryann Piazza
“[S]omeone posted on a community FB page that they have a friend whose daughter has special needs.
“At 21 years old she is graduating high school. Her love in this world are princesses, Belle being her favorite,” explained Staten Islander Maryann Piazza.
The Facebook post struck a chord with Piazza, who is a local permanent jewelry artist and owner of Luxuriously Linked.
Inspired by Emily’s story, she offered to gift a custom sterling silver tiara bracelet to whoever stepped up to bring Belle to life.
“When I saw this post it touched me so much that I responded hoping that someone would come forward to do this and added that I would custom make a sterling silver tiara bracelet and gift it to her,” she said.
And then, as magic would have it, someone did.
Emily Howell, 21-year-old student with special needs, was surprised at her high school graduation party with a special appearence by Princess Belle (portrayed by Olivia Voto) and custom jewelry by Maryann Piazza. (Courtesy Maryann Piazza)Courtesy Maryann Piazza
The celebration took place at La Strada Restaurant on New Dorp Lane on June 13 and when Belle arrived, Emily’s face lit up.
“What a beautiful day,” Piazza shared. “It turns out that Belle, aka Olivia Vota, stepped up to surprise Emily, who was thrilled. None of us knew each other before that day. This all came together from a Facebook post.”
Photos captured Emily glowing with joy, surrounded by family, friends and new acquaintances brought together by kindness and community spirit.
“Emily was aglow the whole time,” Piazza recalled.
In the end, it wasn’t just a costume or a bracelet that made the day special—it was the love behind them.
Emily Howell, 21-year-old student with special needs, was surprised at her high school graduation with a special appearence by Princess Belle (portrayed by Olivia Voto) and custom jewelry by Maryann Piazza, right. She is picutred with her parents, Susan and Mike, and her brother, Michael. (Courtesy Mike Howell)Courtesy Mike Howell
A loving father’s request, a generous artist’s gesture, and a young woman’s willingness to step into a princess’s shoes—literally—created a moment Staten Island won’t soon forget.
“This young lady, who is partially blind, has limited motor skills, and has achieved this education level, is extraordinary,” said Piazza. “And I believe she should be treated like a princess herself.”
Emily’s dad, Mike Howell, is happy to have made his daughter’s special day unforgettable.
“It’s amazing how it all came together,” he said. “Emily grilled ‘Belle’ for for hours and Belle was on point with every question.
“The funniest quote was when Belle left the party, and Emily said, ‘Off to France she goes.’”
Emily Howell, 21-year-old student with special needs, was surprised at her high school graduation with a special appearence by Princess Belle, portrayed by Olivia Vota, pictured, left. (Courtesy Mike Howell)Courtesy Mike Howell