Through a competitive application, the school district was selected as the winner of the Capital One Heart of America (HOA) Foundation READesign Long Island program.
As a result, the high school library was transformed into a state-of-the-art college-and-career resource center and library offering a plethora of educational opportunities. The district extends its warmest thanks to Capital One Long Island Market President Pete Appello and his team, and Heart of America Foundation Vice President Colleen Noland and her team, for making this project possible. The district is forever grateful for the positive impact the READesigned library will have on the Freeport School District and the community.
As part of the program, which was funded by Capital One Bank, students will have a technologically advanced media center to work on projects, conduct research, read and maximize their potential. Additions to the media center include new computers, iPads, and televisions, books and student tables and chairs, which facilitate students' participation in group projects.
"What you have done for us will absolutely be remembered forever," Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham said. "We thank you for making our library a very creative and intellectually stimulating place. We appreciate your generosity and your commitment to build stronger communities and a stronger America. You have made an everlasting difference for our students and community."
The grand reopening and ribbon cutting ceremony of the revamped library began with a full day of exciting activities at the school. In a special morning ceremony, three high school students were honored as Heroes of the Heart by the HOA. Mohdshobair Hussaini, Lois Evans and Joel Abreu all received certificates for their academic accomplishments and outstanding community service to Freeport. Principal Linda Carter said the students embody stellar ethics, and said "thank you to the Hussaini, Evans and Abreu families for instilling these values in your children."
Regarding the new library, Carter stated "Once we were bestowed the honor of receiving this wonderful READesign makeover, we put our team together because in Freeport, we are a team. You have embraced that theme. I thank you for your level of commitment, and all that you are doing for our students. You have become a part of the Freeport community."
Following the awards, Freeport students joined Capital One volunteers to assemble furniture, arrange books and put the finishing touches on the library prior to its ribbon-cutting. While some students lent a helping hand, others participated in career development workshops hosted by Capital One.
Dr. Kuncham and members of the Board of Education, who were joined by Village Mayor Robert Kennedy and Town of Hempstead Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby. thanked Capital One and expressed excitement about the opportunities afforded to Freeport students as a result.
"This past year, we have gotten over $8 million in grants," Pomerico said. "Because of the grants, we are able to do things like this. On behalf of the Board of Education, we thank you. Doing projects like this is very difficult with the financial strains we are under. Thank you Capital One and Heart of America for helping us."