Victoria Gaines Playground Dedicated at Washington School
On a beautiful afternoon, a sparkling new playground was dedicated at Washington Primary School in memory of a special little girl, Victoria Gaines.
A crowd of 300 gathered last Friday for the dedication ceremony. Ms. Gaines would have been a third grader at Washington this year. The youngster perished in a boating catastrophe last summer that also claimed the lives of two other children. The crowded boat capsized en route to Huntington from Oyster Bay following a July 4 fireworks show.
There were more than a few teary eyes in the crowd as Lisa Gaines, the bubbly young girls' mother, spoke about her daughter. Many of Ms. Gaines' former classmates turned out for the event, listening to the various speakers and later enjoying the new playground and a picnic.
Washington School Principal Marsha Neville was joined at the dedication by Superintendent James W. Polansky, Huntington School Board President Emily Rogan, Trustee Jennifer Hebert, Assistant Superintendent Sam Gergis and PTA Council President Bari Fehrs.
"I am so proud to be a part of what we call our Washington Primary family," Mrs. Neville said. "I am especially proud that Victoria and her brother Ryan were our students, but I am now proud to see that because of the Gaines family, our Washington family is just a little, well, maybe a lot, bigger now. You see here at Washington, yes, we educate children in the best possible way that we know how, but more importantly we love our kids and their families and once a Washington kid always a Washington kid!"
Mr. Polansky also addressed the large crowd, thanking Mrs. Gaines and the many volunteers who helped raise the money that made the playground a reality. "I am so proud to know that the memory of a beautiful little girl, Victoria Gaines will be alive forever on the grounds of Washington Primary, on this playground and in the hearts and minds of everyone who uses it in the time to come," he said.
Many Washington parents helped Mrs. Gaines raise tens of thousands of dollars to fund the erection of the playground. Deborah Geller, Kristin Kanzer and Shari Harris played leading roles in the campaign. Dozens of other parents, teachers and community members worked behind the scenes and supported various fundraising events. The Huntington High School student government coordinated the donation of monies to the district to purchase the playground equipment. A long list of local businesses helped in the fundraising effort.
"We are here tonight to celebrate the life of a beautiful, young girl," said Mrs. Neville last Friday afternoon, following up on her theme of being a Washington kid forever. "You see Victoria is one of those Washington kids! She was one of those especially bright-big brown eyed, smiling faces that would come in our doors every morning. Her smile seemed extra bright most days, her step a little quicker than others, as she came eager to learn and share each new day with her friends, classmates and teachers here at Washington. You see Washington Primary was truly her home away from home."
Huntington School District Director of Facilities Alvin White and his deputy, George Austin were both also in attendance. The pair worked tirelessly on the playground project. Many parents and teachers were also on hand along with countless enthusiastic students.
"I, like all of you, will never forget that night back in July," Mrs. Neville said. "I remember watching the news. And I remember the next morning receiving a phone call from one of our Washington parents. Immediately our Washington family started doing what we do best. Our family began to rally to take care of the Gaines family and to look out for each other. I remember the numerous phone calls and emails. The out pouring of love was over whelming. And then I remember a day back in September when some of the staff and I sat with Mrs. Gaines and some of the other Washington parents. We began to think of ways in which we could remember and honor Victoria and truly keep her adventurous, ambitious, eager spirit, alive here at Washington. We had a grand idea of building a playground which all of Victoria's family and friends could enjoy for many years to come. Personally, I thought – great idea, but it will take forever to raise that kind of money. Well, here it is only a few short months later and look at what we have here in front of us!"
Maria Lanzot, Ms. Gaines' second teacher at Washington, performed a song she wrote in honor of the youngster to guitar music recorded by reading teacher Jeffrey Dicker. Washington students and other children in attendance were given colorful dedication ceremony commemorative t-shirts. Many students wore the shirts to school on Monday.
At one point in her emotion-laden remarks, Mrs. Neville spoke from the heart, directly to Victoria: "I am honored to have had you as a student here at Washington Primary. In just a few minutes your friends will be allowed to play on your playground. Your spirit will always remain alive here on this playground. For years to come Washington kids will enjoy running and climbing and especially going down the curly slides. Every time I look at the butterflies, I will smile and think of you. Thank you Victoria!"