May 18 was a drizzly day outdoors but indoors the atmosphere were bright and sunny at Gotham Avenue Elementary as numerous people descended upon the school to mark its 50 years of services to the Elmont community.

Elmont Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Maria Palandra, welcomed the gathering and Gotham Avenue's principal, Marshall Zucker, invited that attendees into the school's gymnasium. He then introduced the 50th anniversary song group, which was composed of 6th-graders, as they sang a special song that traced Gotham Avenue Elementary's place in the community's history.

The memory hour followed, as past and present teachers, administrators, and PTA members were introduced to the audience. The pieces of Gotham's history fell into place as those who walked the halls that first year in 1949 shared their recollections about the 'new' Gotham Avenue school.

A feeling of bittersweet's pervaded the room as the gymnasium was officially dedicated to the honor of Rudy Franklin, who taught physical education in the district from 1957 until 1990, and passed away early last year. Many family members and friends traveled to Gotham to witness the dedication and bask in the happy¬and sometimes tearful¬recollections of the special man known simply as Rudy.

Marshall Zucker recalled that many years ago Rudy "drew me into the action." And he concluded with "...permanently, his name will be known to all the children here at Gotham." Past Avenue principal, Norman Feingold, reminisced that Rudy never denied a child the opportunity to participate. To the children, Feingold said "stand up for the right thing to do." An alumni who was unable to attend the day's events wrote in a note that "Rudy Franklin was the first to organize intramural sports for girls in the 1950's. It may not seem like a big thing now, but back then it was a very big step."

There were not many dry eyes in the room when a film depicting Rudy's life, and set to some of his favorite music, flashed across the screen. Even if you had never met the man, you had a true sense for the kind of person he was. Principal Zucker then officially dedicated the Rudy Franklin Gymnasium and shared with Rudy's daughters, Sheryl and Lisa, the photo and plaque that will forever adorn the gymnasium's walls.

The 5th and 6th grade Special Ensemble concluded the dedication with their sweet and soaring renditions of The Greatest Love of All and That's What's Friends Are For. All present were then invited to the original kindergarten room for snacks and coffee. It was a perfect time to catch up with old friends and colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere.

Many years from now, children who are still to be born with reflect upon their own Gotham Avenue school as they remove the artifacts that today's students placed in their time capsule. Supermarket flyers, lesson plans, and other memorabilia may help to give them a taste of Gotham Avenue in 1999. And they too will experience the lasting impact that a special teacher can have on a child. As one alumni, Robert Goett, said about Rudy Franklin, "Some people think that a Derek Jeter is a hero. But for me, I can remember Rudy Franklin in the 1950's like it was yesterday. What he said, mattered to me. He was a real hero." Certainly, those words come the closest to conveying the legacy of both Rudy Franklin and Gotham Avenue.