By Anne Marie Allocca
On May 8, the family of long-time kindergarten aide Carol Jakubowski, along with friends, faculty and students, gathered at the corner of 6th Street and Brooklyn Avenue for the unveiling of a new street sign ‹ Carol Jakubowski Way.
Jakubowski passed away suddenly on September 5, 2007, leaving behind her husband Andy, and children Kathy, Kim, Christy, Drew and Craig. Son Drew, a sixth grade teacher at Robert W. Carbonaro School, described the emotional impact that the ceremony had on his family.
³It¹s unbelievable,² Drew said. ³I can¹t thank everyone enough for this. Today is my mom and dad¹s anniversary, so it¹s even more special. We all grew up at Brooklyn Avenue.²
After opening the ceremony, Brooklyn Avenue principal Scott Comis turned the microphone over to District 24 superintendent Dr. Edward Fale, who had a few words to say about Jakubowski¹s impact on the district.
³It¹s certainly a fitting way to honor the memory of Carol Jakubowski. She worked so hard for the children,² said Fale, who first met Jakubowski nine years ago when he joined the district. ³The first thing Carol said to me was ŒYou had better do a good job. I¹m going to hound you to make sure you do a good job for the children.¹²
He thanked everyone for their efforts in getting the corner renamed for Jakubowski, whom he noted was always there to make sure the children were safe.
The children were always first in Jakubowski¹s heart, a fact which District 24 Board of Education Vice President Anthony Iadevaio found out during his first run for school board, back in 1980, when Jakubowski questioned what he would do for the children. Apparently she was satisfied with his performance, helping to distribute literature for Iadevaio during his reelection bid.
Brooklyn Avenue kindergarten teacher Cheri Gimpleman was moved to tears as she spoke of her beloved friend. ³She made sure everyone was included, that was Carol¹s way,² Gimpleman said. ³She made sure everyone had enough, that was her way. She never tired.²
Long-time friend, art teacher Jane Berzner, spoke about the ³many hats² Jakubowski wore in the district ‹ as a mother, PTA president, Brownie and Girl Scout leader.
For the 90th anniversary of Brooklyn Avenue in 1997, she made the sign that has adorned the corner of the school for the past 10 years. That sign was presented to the family in Jakubowski¹s honor and a new one, created by Berzner, will be framed and hung outside the kindergarten wall in memory of Jakubowski.
Kathy Jakubowski thanked all those present for their support over the past few months.
³When we were young we used to think my mom was going to be at Brooklyn Avenue forever, which is what she wanted,² said the eldest Jakubowski daughter. ³She lived for the school and every minute she lived for the children.²
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