ROCK HILL — Growing up in Brooklyn, Dr. Sean Wall-Carty knew how vital an education coupled with arts and culture was to him. “It got me out of the box of Brooklyn,” said Wall-Carty. “I wouldn't be standing here if it wasn't for those things. I grew up a poor black kid from Brooklyn.”

Wall-Carty is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nana's House Child Care Center, Inc. in Rock Hill. When the opportunity came to give back to the county, he jumped at the chance.

Using grant money provided by The Empire State After-School Program through the Monticello Central School District and Nana's House Child Care Center, Inc., he has been able to create a program that provides free educational field trips throughout New York State.

When he used to take trips into New York City as a child, he was exposed to the rich and exciting art culture and wanted to provide those experiences for the children of Sullivan County.

For their third trip, 94 children, parents and guardians were able to see Aladdin on Broadway.

Those adults paid for their tickets and could take up to three kids, under 17, for free. Those kids had to live in the county at least 75 percent of the time.

“I was working with Disney, and they gave us a good price,” said Wall-Carty.

With these field trips, Wall-Carty wanted to create an experience for children of Sullivan County that not only was fun but had an impact.

Sonia Powell of Monticello was happy to take her daughter,Rihanna and her two friends, to see Aladdin. “These educational trips mean so much to the young people, especially the ones who don't get the chance to leave Sullivan County,” said Powell. “This is a wonderful experience.”

When tickets went on sale for Aladdin, Wall-Carty said they sold out within three hours.

The day started at Nana's House Child Care Center in Rock Hill, where everyone boarded the bus provided by Avery Transportation 10 a.m.

While on the route, Kiwanis of Woodridge New York Foundation provided water and snacks for those riding along.

For children in Sullivan County, like for Aladdin, it is a “whole new world” for them.

For many children, this is their first trip into the big city and that is something that Wall-Carty does not take lightly.

“When I hear the parents, say ‘this is your first tunnel trip,' I start tearing up. It reminds me very clearly why am I doing this and why we do it as an organization,” said Wall-Carty.

Once in the city, children, along with their parents and guardians, made their way to the New Amsterdam Theatre to see the award-winning Broadway musical.

Aladdin is a new Broadway production that tells the classic tale in a “thrilling” new way. Filled with beautiful backdrops and a toe-tapping musical score.

Afterward, the children were treated to dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe.

Wall-Carty was able to work out a deal where kids eat for free while the parents and guardians paid a set price.

Wall-Carty said this program would be funded until August 2022, each year receiving $16,000 to make these field trips happen.

For the earlier trips, the children were able to visit the American Museum of Natural History and the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum.

Wall-Carty said the trips for this year have been planned out, and he is excited about the upcoming tours.

They will visit the Bronx Zoo, Indoor Skydiving at iFly, a Frozen 2 screening in Callicoon, The Polar Express in Kingston and a trip to see the holiday lights in New York City.

Wall-Carty said he could not do this alone, and he thanks the generous support from the Monticello Central School District.

Equally important, he thanked the parents and guardians for their guidance when planning trips.

“It's not just me. There is a real sense of community here,” said Wall-Carty.

For more information, go to nanashousechildcare.org, email trips@nhccci.org, or call (845) 794-3826.