RSS 2.0 FeedThursday, October 20, 2011, Merrick Life
A garden grows for Dr. June Irvin
Old Mill Road courtyard dedicated to former school superintendent.
See photos from the dedication here.
The life and career of Dr. June Irvin was celebrated last week at Old Mill Road School in North Merrick. She was a former principal of the school and the first woman to be superintendent of schools on Long Island. Dr. Irvin died in April 2010. She was survived by her husband Bill.
The event was hosted by current Superintendent David Feller, who recalled how members of the school and Merrick community got this idea to dedicate the garden and courtyard at Old Mill Road School.
An avid gardener, this was a spot that was very close to June’s heart, a place she used to reflect and to inspire her work with the children of the district.
This past spring, plans for the garden were drawn and presented to June’s husband, Bill, who approved of the idea and gave his blessing. A week later he died.
Dr. Irvin retired in 1992, but continued to serve the community as the associate publisher of this newspaper, and as a volunteer for many civic organizations. Her commitment to the children and those in need was evident in the speeches given. Former and current school board members, teachers and colleagues spoke of how much June Irvin accomplished.
Laura Leudesdorff, the current principal at Old Mill Road School, introduced current fifth-and sixth-grade students who researched Dr. Irvin’s life and gave speeches on their findings.
Other students were given the opportunity to sketch trees from the garden. The finished drawings were put into a collage, matted, framed and given to John Neville, Dr. Irvin’s brother who flew in from Ohio to join in the event.
From all the words, sayings and anecdotes shared at the memorial, attendees could feel June’s presence that afternoon. The passing drizzles of rain and the wind were ushered out by the end of the ceremony by the sun, giving visitors the chance to bask in the garden that Dr. Irvin loved so much.
Visitors to the Merrick Life website can see a video from the event, featuring many of the speeches and music performances from the school children.
