Special breakfast to thank community supporters

The P.S 186 family took the time to thank the city leaders on Friday, November 30 for their continuous contributions throughout the 2012 school year.

The “We are thankful for our community supporters,” event began with a chorus presentation held at the auditorium, followed by an intimate recognition ceremony that was held at the school’s new library on the fourth floor.

“We thank you for all that you do; your heart is in the right spot,” said Elaine Delaney, the parent coordinator at P.S 186. Whether they were present or not, each of the elected officials was recognized by the young students for their individual ways of helping towards the betterment of their school.

Congressmember Michael Grimm was the first of nine supporters to be thanked; and although he could not be present for the praise, Fran Vella-Marrone, his Brooklyn office director, received the certificate in his honor. “I want to thank you for your thank you,” Vella-Marrone said and explained to the children that Grimm was in Washington D.C. trying to get funds to help people affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Councilmember Domenic Recchia was thanked for funding the science lab, where children can have access to a SMART Board and where the walls give them a comfortable “earthy feel.” Frogs, a hamster and a bird are some of the pets that the chosen student gets to take home for the weekend.

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz was thanked for the new library, which according to Assistant Principal Rina Horne “reflects something modern and timeless.

“It’s bright and inviting,” she added allowing the children to feel comfortable with its blue walls. Nine hundred students and teachers take advantage of this new space every day.

Bayan Cadotte, the principal of P.S 186, personally thanked the leaders, as well as her staff members for their work. “We want you to shine,” Cadotte told them. “Just the fact that you’re here, thank you very much.”

State Senator Marty Golden was delighted to be among the honorees. “We’re only as good as the people we serve,” he said.

Assemblymember William Colton, Councilmember Vincent Gentile, President/CEO Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Carlo Scissura, Councilmember James Oddo and Assemblymember Peter Abbate were also recognized.

Abbate was thanked for sharing his love for reading with the kids; Colton for supplying the students’ parents with translators, and Gentile for the dance program, SMART boards, and especially the NIA After-School program at P.S 186 which recently helped the kids obtain recognition from the district attorney’s office.