By Sarah Moskowitz
"I really think it was a great honor that the faculty chose to recognize him," said Rodecker's daughter Christina. "He was an extremely dedicated leader."
Rodecker served as principal of the middle school from 1988 to 1999 and of the high school from 1999 to 2001. He passed away in January 2001.
Christina, a graduate of Malverne schools, said her father proposed a computer lab to prepare Malverne students for the 21st century. The lab was opened in 1997 as a direct result of Rodecker's pursuit.
"It makes me proud because Ray was a mentor to me and a great inspiration to my professional career," said current middle school Principal Joseph Donoghue. "[Ray] was always an innovative principal. He sought this out to bring students into the technological age and give them experience in real life."
The basement lab features 13 different computer stations, each designated to provide service to a specific technological subject. Students in the sixth and eight grades will spend half of their required technology time, about 20 weeks, using the lab. Popular stations among students include digital photography, biomedics, electronic communication and graphics, where students can animate cartoons, said technology teacher Robert Brigandi.
"Mr. Rodecker was behind [the lab] 100 percent and he thought it would be a great addition for the students of Malverne," said Brigandi. "I think it was nice [the school dedicated the lab] to Ray."
Camille Rodecker spoke of her late husband and thanked the Malverne Board of Education members at the dedication ceremony.
"I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation to all of you who supported Ray when he was healthy and when he was ill," said Camille.
This is not the first time the middle school has honored the life of Rodecker. In the spring of 2001, a small garden was planted in front of the middle school. The memorial garden blooms with flowers and shrubbery. Additionally, Rodecker was recognized by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People two times during his career for educational leadership and another time by the Lakeview Youth Federation for his support of the Friendship Games. Rodecker also coached basketball and Little League in the Malverne community.
After her husband's death, Camille established the Ray Rodecker Memorial Scholarship Fund. Through this fund she was able to give $1,000 scholarships to two Malverne High School students over the past two calendar years.
"[Ray's] memory will live in our hearts, and the scholarship, the garden and the dedication of the ScanTek Lab will mark the accomplishments of Ray's professional career," said Camille.
