Family, friends, students and colleagues gathered in front of Northwood Elementary School in Hilton to dedicate the school’s new playground to Pat Romansky, beloved secretary and friend. Romansky’s family, including her mother, Gerri Stamski; husband, John Romansky; sons John Jr. and Michael, their wives and children, in-laws, nieces and nephews, were in attendance.
“To memorialize Pat by dedicating this playground to her is amazing,” said John Romansky. “Our family is honored to participate in this ceremony.”
“For 23 years, Pat deeply touched our lives,” said Principal Kirk Ashton. “She was able to connect with everyone and made us all feel like family. Pat filled our halls and hearts with joy.”
Students Madalyn Mascadri, Giana Gramse and Carlie Spall sang “Sunshine on My Shoulders” before Ashton revealed the playground sign that states, “This playground is dedicated in memory of Pat Romansky, ‘Northwood’s Sunshine’ 2014.” The sign features a picture of a sun created with students’ fingerprints.
Students gave a yellow marble to each person in the audience to symbolize a drop of sunshine. People were then invited to drop the marble in an opening at the top of the sign. The light shining through the marbles illustrates the spread of sunshine.
The ceremony also included a performance by the Northwood Chorus and a reading of the poem, “Can You Just Imagine” by Toni Kane and edited by Laura Mayer and Donna Serenka, Northwood teachers.
Maryanne Chaffee, VEPTO parent-teacher organization president, honored Peggy Teal, Northwood parent and volunteer, for the integral part she played in making the new playground a reality.
Provided photo and information
