Mercaz Academy Celebrates Inauguration With Official Ribbon Cutting

PLAINVIEW, NY — Mercaz Academy welcomed notables among families, staff and friends at its official Inauguration Day on Sept. 11. Hundreds of adults and children gathered to show support for the newly established school, serving eastern Nassau and Western Suffolk counties. Also attending were New York State Senator James Gaughran; Nassau County Legislator Steve Rhoads; and Jake Blumencranz, who represented Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino.

Enthusiastic children tugged on their parents’ hands as they entered the Mercaz Academy playground, eager to explore the bouncy houses and playground equipment. Colorful balloons brightened the soft grays of the day, and DJ Azamra kept the excitement flowing with music that invited all into the fun.

But the serious character of the day was not forgotten. Rabbi Kalman Fogel, principal of Mercaz Academy, began his remarks by remembering the fallen of 9/11. Copies of the first teaching of Pirkei Avot, Ethics of Our Fathers, were available on every table; Rabbi Fogel urged the attendees to study it with their children, and to dedicate their learning in memory of the lost souls of 9/11.

Assistant Principal Karen Leeper led the crowd in a moment of silence. Gaughran spoke of the many local heroes of 9/11, naming some in attendance at the event, and mourning those who lost their lives from illnesses caused by their work on the pile.

“We have 18 different communities represented here,” said out Chairman of the Board Gary Katz. “That’s what I call a community school.”

Gaughran charged the students to remember this time as the first students at Mercaz Academy. He noted that Mercaz Academy emphasizes its quality secular education, but also pointed out the importance of the religious education offered by Mercaz Academy.

“Our young people today face so many challenges,” he said. “I think it is so important to give young people the opportunity to understand their roots and their heritage, and make sure they’re well-grounded as citizens of this country.”

Gaughran presented Lichtman with an official proclamation from the state Senate honoring Mercaz Academy on its inauguration, and Jake Blumencranz presented a proclamation on behalf of Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino, followed by a final ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The celebration concluded inside due to a sudden cloudburst, with a school tour, churros and other tasty treats, and a visit from Mark’s Ice Cream Truck. However, the spirits of the Mercaz Academy students remained undampened.

“My favorite part was the bouncy houses,” said first grader Serena Farber. “I think we should have bouncy houses every day from now on.”