60th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
McKinley revelers of all ages enjoyed a special evening together on Saturday, October 16, 1999 in celebration of IS 259's 60th anniversary. Former students and teachers returned to McKinley to relive their memories - and they were not disappointed.
The evening's events began with nostalgic pictures and school tours. Mr. Thomas Norstrand '60 and his students collected, catalogued, and displayed IS 259's history in juxtaposition to the world events of the last six decades.
The 200 guests were greeted by Ms. Linda Mollo-Holmes '69 and Mr. Vincent Bocchino '54. Those in attendance had the pleasure of seeing recent McKinley graduates perform in a professional Broadway revue. Songs from each of the last six decades were performed for everyone's delight.
Senator Vincent Gentile '74, Assemblyman Peter Abatte, and Councilman Martin Golden each honored McKinley's educational contributions to the Dyker community. Community Superintendent Vincent Grippo spoke of his pride of IS 259's accomplishments and Community School Board members Frank Spadaro, Carlo Scissurra, and Alan Dubrow addressed the audience. Ms. Helen Sneddon, President of President's Council and Mr. A. Asfazadou, IS 259's PTA President also joined the festivities.
Ms. Paulette Hughes, Dean '99, and the Time Capsule Committee presented a number of mementoes from IS 259's past. An especially poignant moment of the evening came when Ms. Hughes read the "McKinley Remembered" letter from Don '45. The guests then exited from the auditorium to the gym to an evening of dinner and dancing.