By Mark Hallum
Bayside High School took in its first wave of students on March 16, 1936. Now the Alumni Association is throwing a two-day bash this weekend to acknowledge a long tradition of excellence in education at the 80th anniversary celebration of the school’s founding.
Day One will be an art show Friday with a performance produced by students from the music program. Day Two will be a gala event Saturday in which Lifetime Service Awards will be awarded to state Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) and Councilman Paul Vallone (D-Bayside) for financial contributions, while Alice Hartley, the assistant principal, and Stephen Piorkowski , a physical education teacher, will receive posthumous Lifetime Service Awards.
Because of the success of participatory budgeting in his district, Vallone will be honored for giving the school’s Music Education Complex $450,000 in discretionary funds. The Bayside HS music program received the highest number of votes for this funding in the district.
“It’s a true honor to be recognized at Bayside High School’s 80th Anniversary celebration,” Vallone said. “For 80 years generations of students have passed through Bayside High School’s doors and I look forward to continue seeing this school flourish for years to come.”
Avella will be recognized for a $1 million check he allocated for renovation of the school’s auditorium and athletic field house.
The art show and SING event will begin on Friday, June 10, at 4:30 p.m. The gala will take place on Saturday, June 11, from 4-8 p.m. in Gym 3.
Reach reporter Mark Hallum by e-mail at mhall
