By Linda Delmonico-Prussen
Ms. Wanger opened the doors of the North Merrick music program, making it accessible to any child wishing to sing in the chorus or learn a musical instrument. Before 1997, North Merrick was one of a handful of districts across Long Island in which children had to audition to take part in the band or chorus.
Children auditioned at the end of third grade, determining whether they had an "aptitude" for music. Ms. Wanger, the mother of two girls, Emily, now 16, and Sarah, 12, believed strongly that all children should receive the chance to study and enjoy music.
Her husband, Randy, said, "She just couldn't believe that kids could be rejected from playing an instrument."
Randy Wanger said his wife believed that "kids will get plenty of rejection. They don't need to be rejected in the fourth grade."
Mr. Wanger said that his wife also believed that how a band sounded in fourth grade was less important than giving children the opportunity to experience music.
Camp Avenue band instructor Peggy Rakas said she had to audition the children, which she found difficult. "It was heartbreaking," Rakas said. "Linda was really instrumental in opening the music program." When the change took place and all children could participate in band and chorus, Rakas said, "I was ecstatic."
To win this change, Randy Wanger said, his wife wrote letters to state officials in Albany, as well as collected petition signatures. She also lobbied hard for annual school budgets, knowing that they needed to pass to fund additional music teachers.
Born on Jan. 27, 1957, Linda Wanger was the oldest of Carol and Paul Jackson's four children. She was raised in Bellmore and graduated from the University of Brockport in New York. Married for 21 years, Linda was a Merrick resident for 17 years.
Her cancer was originally diagnosed in 1993, and from that time to her death this past August, she spent only about two years in full remission. Still, even while battling cancer, she fought for what was important to her -- North Merrick's music program.
Board Trustee Norbert Billig remembered, "Even though she was ill, she still played an important role."
Board President Alyse Middendorf said, "Linda really spearheaded the change in the music program. She was a very strong advocate for expanding the music program."
Middendorf said she respected Linda greatly, not only for what Ms. Wanger fought for, but how she conducted herself. "She did her research. She did her homework. She handled herself in a very respectful and assertive manner," adding, "Linda just didn't give up."
North Merrick Trustee Karen Repole said Ms. Wanger inspired her and many others. "Even when she was the sickest," Repole said, "Linda encouraged so many people with her strength to surpass their problems."
Arthur Solnick, Camp Avenue School principal where Linda's children attended elementary school, remembered when Ms. Wanger began her quest to open the music program, raising the issue at the first PTA meeting of the 1995-96 school year.
Solnick said of Ms. Wanger: "She was a go-getter, a fire ball in getting what she wanted done. Linda was a pleasant, hard worker right through the illness, just a quality human being. People could rely on her. If you have a school district filled with people like her, you have to be successful."
Past Camp Avenue PTA co-President Robin Deissler said no matter how much Ms. Wanger did, she was quick to give credit to those around her for their help.
Ms. Wanger was a dedicated PTA volunteer. She served the Camp Avenue PTA as treasurer at one time and as cultural arts chairperson. Past Camp Avenue PTA co-President Stephanie King said, "Linda was one of the most wonderful people. She never complained. She always tried to see the good in someone."
Deissler agreed, "She never had a negative word to say about
anybody. She always approached everything with a passion."
Linda's passion paid off for North Merrick's aspiring musicians. On April 8, 1997, the board of education voted to expand the instrumental music program and chorus to all North Merrick children. Indeed, Linda Wanger will be missed, but her song will live on.
