There was evidence in the cold air of a January night in the mid-winter; it was in the hearts of those who gathered outside the gymnasium in a simple yet meaningful area of benches designed for relaxation and perhaps reflection; there was evidence in the hearts and the tears that swelled in the eyes of some; there was indeed evidence that, in just three years, one man could have a profound impact on the lives of many, leaving his memories behind so that those who knew him will forever cherish them.

Reggie Carter, the former assistant principal of Mineola High School who died on Christmas Eve of 1999 at the age of 42 from a heart attack, made his presence felt in his time in Mineola. It's hard for some to imagine an individual having as big an impact on a school community as Carter had in his time in Mineola.

Carter, whose heart was only matched in size by his six-foot plus frame, will forever be remembered by those whose lives he touched. But now, his name will forever be linked to Mineola High School so that future generations of students will know what he meant to the school community.

Last Friday night, before a varsity basketball game between the Mineola Mustangs and Roslyn, the senior commons area outside the gym, in a quiet alcove with benches for students to enjoy when the weather outside is cold was dedicated to the former assistant principal. The ceremony, during which a plaque honoring Carter was unveiled, brought out some of those since gone from Mineola who paid tribute to their former colleague.

Although Reggie Carter was a former standout basketball player from St. John's University who went on to play two seasons for the New York Knicks, students and faculty members simply remember him as Reggie Carter the educator, Reggie Carter the friend. "He always wanted to give back to the community. When he stopped playing basketball, he got into education through a friend and he just took off from there," said Carter's widow Alicia. "He enjoyed interacting with children."

Former Mineola High School Assistant Principal Mike Terc used words like loyalty, dedication, kindness, grace, dignity, humility, class, trustworthiness and teamwork when describing his friend. "He will always be in my heart," Terc said.

It wasn't only the qualities he possessed, but his actions that are a part of his legacy. There was a time when he attended the wake of a student he didn't have the opportunity to know. However, he knew that there might be some who were hurting and wanted to be there for them. There was also another time when he visited a student with life threatening injuries from a car accident in the hospital. He talked to her and joked with her as he held her hand.

Whether it was doing something simple like cooking for students at special events, or something significant to an individual, Carter's efforts not only translated to the world of academics, but also the world of humanity and compassion.

Former Mineola High School Principal Jay Lewis became emotional when talking about Carter. "Before Reggie, I don't think I understood how much one person could affect an institution like a school," he said, fighting back tears.

The image of several hundred students during Christmas vacation packing buses on their way to Carter's funeral in Harlem is burned in the memory of former district director of health, physical education and athletics Tony Gulli, who also attended the ceremony. "Reggie was a beautiful person. He made an impact on my life," he said.

"I think what I remember most about Mr. Carter is his presence in the building and the respect he received from every student, parent and faculty member he encountered. His impact in the school was amazing," said former student organization president and Class of 2001 valedictorian Jonathan Debrich.

It was Carter's idea to have the senior commons in the area where the plaque now stands. As student organization president, Debrich followed through on Carter's idea. "After he passed away, I felt it was really important that we build it then," Debrich said.

As she helped unveil the plaque that was created and mounted by Bob Miller, Alicia Carter stood with pride as tears rolled down her cheeks. "He would have been so pleased. He is smiling down on this with that big, old, cheesy smile of his. He would have been proud and honored," she said with a pleasant smile.

It is appropriate in a way that when warm weather arrives and students begin to enjoy the senior commons, Carter's plaque will be near. Just as the promise of a new spring comes, one which represents a rebirth of sorts, so too will the spirit of Reggie Carter continue to live.