By Robert Remler
A bright sun provided some of the warmth at Valley Stream's Shaw Avenue public elementary school last Friday; the rest came from happy hearts.
Celebrating 50 years of education, students, parents, administrators, teachers and public officials all gathered to at Shaw Avenue for anniversary ceremonies.
Henry Mazer, principal of Shaw Avenue school, introduced school and elected officials. Short speeches were followed with a ribbon cutting ceremony that revealed a black iron plaque with gold lettering.
District 30 Superintendent Lawrence McGoldrick said that the spirit of the building has not changed in 50 years. "The building is not really 50 years old, the building is really 50 years young." The building would also continue to grow in the future, he said.
Valley Stream Mayor Edward Cahill said the rededication of the Shaw Avenue School coincided with the village's 75th anniversary. "This is a great year for Valley Stream," said Mayor Cahill. "I agree with Mr. McGoldrick that 50 years is rather young," said the mayor who counts himself as a senior citizen.
Board President Richard Eisenberg asked students to remember years from now that they were at "the birthday party of 50 years of successful schools." Telling students they would eventually travel to different places, Mr. Eisenberg asked them to remember more than just the birthday of the school. "It wasn't so important that we celebrated the birthday for the school," Mr. Eisenberg said. "It was important that we celebrated the birthday of the school system."
While planes on their way to Kennedy Airport roared overhead, Principal Mazer departed from his prepared closing text and turned his head toward elected officials. He asked them to consider the flight paths that run over Shaw Avenue when they return to Albany. His remarks were met with light applause from those standing on the sidewalks.
Mr. Mazer asked students to, "Never forget that you had the opportunity to take part in a special birthday." He hoped one day the students would return to Shaw Avenue and remember they participated in the anniversary ceremony.
Ashley Manassero, a first grader in Phyllis Amalfitano's class, said it was nice everybody had come to celebrate the school. Regina P. Tyler, a fourth grade teacher, said it was exciting to be part of the celebration. "It's my third year at Shaw Avenue. I'll be spending many years teaching here."
Benny Taormina, custodian at Shaw Avenue for 18 years, said everybody at the school is wonderful. " I've been here a long time, they are all nice people here."
