Manhasset's Munsey Park Elementary School celebrated a milestone in its 60-year history with the dedication and inaugural concert of the school auditorium. The ceremony was held on Thursday, May 27 with the full student body attending.

Members of the Student Council served as MC's. Council members introduced Dr. Jean Kendall, principal; Dr. Elliot Garfinkel, interim superintendent of schools; Barbara Donno, vice president of the Board of Education; Mrs. Stephanie Peterson, Parent Council president; Erika Militana, Student Council president; and Mary Fay, Munsey Park art teacher, all of whom delivered remarks.

The morning program also served as a dress rehearsal for the June 2 evening concert and featured selections from the fourth, fifth and six-grade choruses. All choruses were directed by Ms. Rachel Voelker.

America was performed by band members and directed by Ken Vetter. America the Beautiful was performed by the string ensemble and was directed by Sean Quinn.

Roger Smith, district architect, and J. Michael Orifici, construction manager, addressed the students and staff. Mr. Smith presented a commemorative plaque to Dr. Kendall. The plaque includes copies of the stone cast tiles which decorate the interior and exteriors of the new structure, enabling students to get a closer look at these features.

The addition was funded by the 1996 bond issue that was approved by the community. Prior to the new addition, the school's all-purpose room served as the auditorium requiring folding chairs to be set-up each time a special event was held. The bond also funded construction for added classroom space at both Munsey Park and Shelter Rock Schools, and other districtwide improvements.