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In a formal ceremony held September 12th, the Malverne Board of Education rededicated the Malverne High School Gymnasium in memory of the late Hank Williams, longtime boys' basketball coach. An unveiling revealed brilliant gold lettering bearing Williams' name.
"Please note that from this day forward, this area will serve as a place for the aquisition of skills, the development of physical prowess, and the shining beacon that were the embodiment of Hank Williams, educator." declared Memorial Scholarship Committee member Al Lewis, who thanked Williams' family for their consent to the project.
Williams' relatives in attendance included surviving wife Lenore, who handed roses to former Superintendent Peter Scordo, Malverne Board of Education members, Board President Karen Aker, and Facilities Supervisor James O'Beirne and Williams' secretary Barbara Clifford for their initiation, recommendations and assistance in making the dedication possible. Also present was Williams' daughter Denise and son Wandy, who read from a formal statement written by eldest daughter Terry, who was unable to attend.
"I am especially honored that you have chosen to show your appreciation for his enthusiasm, strength and dedication by naming the gymnasium after him. In doing this, you are helping keep alive the legacy of educational pursuit and athletic competition which my dad tried so hard to instill in his students and players." he stated.
"We will dearly miss his presence here, but we will always remember him." said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Pinckney, describing Mr. Williams as someone who gave his entire life to the children of Malverne. A special cake offered a bittersweet ending to an evening of smiles, tears and memories.
Coach Williams passed away earlier this year after a three-year battle with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Basketball Coach Darrol Lopez took over the team in Mr. Williams' absence.
"He didn't just teach them (students) about the game, he taught them about life," declared Mr. Lopez.
