By:Jerry Burke
But last week, Dutch Broadway's fourth-graders and five students from Elmont Memorial High School had the opportunity to meet the top politician in the state, Gov. George Pataki.
The group of 60 students and teachers were caught by surprise by when Alfano brought his "mystery guest" into the state capitol's historic War Room, prompting a big round of applause. "I couldn't believe it was him," said fourth-grader Kyla Ridley.
Alfano introduced the governor, telling students about his past work as an assemblyman and a state senator as well as the responsibilities he has now in working with both houses to keep New York moving.
Pataki was particularly impressed by Dutch Broadway's dramatic improvement in the recent ELA and math assessment scores. "Governor, these kids have worked hard," said Alfano, mentioning Principal Walter Askionoff's unorthodox academic pep rally just before the exams. "I'm real proud of them."
Pataki spoke with the children about the importance education has in their lives, just as it had in his.
The students were impressed. "I felt important, because we got to meet with the governor," said fourth-grader Darius Gray.
"The governor put a human face on government and how it works," said Askionoff. "He was responsive to the children and warm. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students."
Dutch Broadway School President Jessica Macean presented Pataki with a stuffed bear representing the school's mascot. Alfano then introduced Elmont Memorial students Randall Clarke, Michael Texidor, Christopher Clerge, Latoya Lamb and Shezaray Rozzell to the governor. "It was a real honor to be part of this day," said Clarke, who is senior class president. "It was an experience I won't forget."
After the meeting, Alfano took the students on a tour of the capital, including the recently dedicated Sept. 11 exhibit.
