RSS 2.0 FeedOctober 13, 2011, Merrick Life
A garden grows in honor of North Merrick pioneer
Video and photos from Friday's dedication are here.
At left, Ms. Grecco talks about the artwork created in Dr. Irvin's honor.
See photos from the dedication here.
The North Merrick School District will dedicate the courtyard at Old Mill Road Elementary School in memory of former Superintendent Dr. June Irvin on Friday, October 14, at 2 p.m.
Dr. Irvin, who died in April 2010, was a pioneer in the field of education having been selected at the first female to hold the office of superintendent in Nassau County.
Prior to her tenure overseeing the district Dr. Irvin had been a teacher in Westbury, principal in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and then principal at Old Mill Road School, where the courtyard held a special place for her.
“June loved the courtyard,” former school secretary and close friend Cathy Profera told Merrick Life. “Every year she would have the grounds person fix it up, plant nice flowers and keep it nice. After she retired it was never the same.”
It is fitting that this section of the school she spent so many years at is dedicated in her honor. “We’re thrilled to dedicate this courtyard in June Irvin’s memory,” said Mr. Feller. “She was a very important person, principal and superintendent. Many of the programs June initiated are still in place today.”
After retiring in 1992, Dr. Irvin remained active in the community and spent several years as the associate publisher of Merrick Life.
She is missed by many in the community and thought of often by those who knew her. She touched many lives, and her personal approach towards the children, families and those she worked with in the district will be remembered for a long time.
The entire community is invited to attend the dedication of the courtyard in Dr. Irvin’s honor. “We specifically planned the event during the school day, so that the children of Old Mill Road School could be a part of the program,” Mr. Feller told Merrick Life.
