Science Lab Honors P.S. 76 Teacher's Memory

Third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students at P.S. 76 sing "Shalom" and "When You Give, You Receive" at ceremonies dedicating the new science lab at P.S. 76, Long Island City.

City Councilmember Eric Gioia and United Federation of Teachers head Randi Weingarten toured and dedicated the first ever science-only lab at P.S. 76, the William Hallett School, in Long Island City, on June 8. A plaque on the door to the lab designates it as the "Ann Friedman Memorial Science Lab", dedicated in memory of Friedman, a teacher at P.S. 76, who died suddenly in the classroom turned-lab on Nov. 9, 2005. Friedman's widower, Howard, and her two children attended the ceremony and Howard Friedman cut the ribbon to officially open the new lab.

P.S. 76 Principal M. Carole Schafenberg and science teacher Cindy Pappas thanked Gioia for his securing $400,000 for the renovation and construction of the new science lab and two P.S. 76 fifthgrade students presented him with a plaque. Joann Penkava, who teaches science to children in lower grades at P.S. 76, shared memories of Friedman. A framed original poem by P.S. 76 alumna Marissa Stone was presented to Friedman's survivors. A chorus of third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students directed by Karen Olszewski and accompanied on piano by Deirdre Andrews, paid tribute to Gioia's generosity and Friedman's memory with "Shalom" and "When You give, You Receive".

Howard Friedman, widower of Ann Friedman, cuts the ribbon to open the new science lab at P.S. 76, Long Island City.

Gioia noted that the Astoria elementary school has a strong tradition of excellence in the sciences. "[The science lab] is a gift that will touch the future," Schafenberg responded.

P.S. 76 Principal M. Carole Schafenberg presents City Councilmember Eric Gioia with a plaque in appreciation for his securing $400,000 in funding for the new science lab as Howard Friedman looks on.