Brookside and Mohansic elementary schools now have outdoor areas to read and honor the memory of Carole Jacobson who died in 2015.
The areas reflect “her joy, her happiness and her very special gifts,” said Mohansic Principal Susan Berry in a June 3 ceremony.
The dedication was attended by Superintendent Dr. Ralph Napolitano, Assistant Superintendent Lisa O’Shea, teachers and staff, and family and friends of Jacobson.
She worked in the district for 35 years before retiring from full-time teaching in 2008.
“We have a strong attachment to the Yorktown community and the school district,” said her husband Gil Jacobson, assistant superintendent of business in the district during the mid 1970s. “We wanted to create something that would be used by the children and would reflect her dedication to education.”
After Carole's death, a fund in her memory was set up by family and friends.
A school- based committee determined how to honor her memory in the two elementary buildings.
District maintenance crews did the construction work and were acknowledged for their efforts at the dedication ceremony.
“While she may no longer be here with us, she is continuing to encourage and inspire children to learn for years to come. I am so grateful that with the support of family, friends and the Yorktown Central School District we were able to make this happen,” her daughter Debbie said.
The area at each school reflects Jacobson’s appreciation of nature, adventure and sailing. She was known for introducing the students to butterflies through first-hand experience and books. Butterflies were released at the ceremony in her memory.
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