The day was filled with celebrations at the East Rockaway Junior-Senior High School, as members of the board of education, administrators, student athletes, community members and local officials joined together for the school’s official opening day of its new state-of-the-art athletic complex. The girls varsity softball and boys varsity baseball teams christened the newly reconstructed field by hosting games against Mineola and Valley Stream South, respectively.

The day kicked off with the East Rockaway Education Foundations 5K run and was followed by a parade starting at Centre Avenue Elementary School. Opening ceremonies commenced on the field, where Junior-Senior High School Principal Richard Schaffer, Superintendent of Schools Lisa Ruiz and Board of Education Vice President Peter McNally spoke of this exciting achievement in East Rockaway history.

“Today is significant for so many reasons. We have literally changed the landscape of this campus. We have built incredible facilities not only for our students and faculty but for the district and for our greater community as well,” Superintendent of Schools Lisa Ruiz said. “We know you will enjoy many hours of exciting athletic competitions, building new memories while cheering on our beloved Rocks. This new complex was made possible by the support and commitment of our community, to providing the best educational programs and learning environment to our students and faculty. These new facilities are a bold reflection of that commitment.”

In between the softball and baseball games, attendees enjoyed refreshments, games, field activities and more. Board of Education trustee Dominick Vulpis threw the ceremonial first pitch for the softball game, while alumni Anthony Piazza, Mike Mistretta, Brandon Engstler, Tylar Killarney threw the ceremonial first pitch for the baseball game.

Date Added: 4/4/2022