Clara H. Carlson auditorium dedicated to beloved educator

The Clara H. Carlson Elementary School Auditorium was dedicated to the late Lucinda M. Zorlenzan, a former sixth-grade teacher and longtime Elmont resident, at the Elmont Board of Education meeting on Oct. 11. A plaque with Zorlenzan’s picture and a quote from her favorite song, “Wind Beneath My Wings,” will soon be a permanent fixture in the auditorium to inspire for students.

Zorlenzan passed away on April 4, 2008, after a long battle with breast cancer. In addition to being a Clara H. Carlson educator, she was the beloved wife to Peter, and devoted mother to Peter and Joseph. She was also a member of the Elmont Fire Department Ladies’ Auxiliary, an active participant in the Elmont Chamber of Commerce and a 2004 recipient of the Elmont’s Women of Distinction Award.

“Mrs. Z, was a kind soul who not only taught academics, but stressed character in all her students by encouraging them to make good choices,” said Kristin Biggin, a teacher at Clara H. Carlson. “The staff at Carlson continues to be inspired by the courage she demonstrated fighting breast cancer as she continued to teach.”

Deborah Buchanan, another teacher at the elementary school, said that Zorlenzan made her a better teacher, friend and parent. Tatianna Overton, a Sewanhaka High School alumna and one of Zorlenzan’s former students at Clara H. Carlson, came to the board meeting/dedication ceremony to sing “Wind Beneath My Wings.”