The 5th Brooke Jackman Run for Literacy had more people taking part than ever before, as well as a good number of runners from Oyster Bay High School. Brooke Jackman, who died at age 23 in the fall of the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001 was a graduate of the high school. She was working for Cantor Fitzgerald the day the planes hit the buildings.
The Jackman family has remembered their book-loving daughter in many ways, with book corners in the local schools; the garden in front of the Roosevelt School; and the Brooke Jackman Foundation that is involved in encouraging literacy through projects in New York City.
The great weather on Saturday, May 15 brought out a big crowd of runners. NY Senator Carl Marcellino said, “It’s a great day. This is the biggest turnout ever for this event. It shows the spirit of the people of Oyster Bay.”
Friends of The Brooke Jackman Foundation President Erin Jackman said, “Thanks to everybody for making the 5th annual Race for Literacy our biggest and best yet. It was a beautiful day and great generosity (and running skills) were on display. Results will be posted on the Foundation website shortly. Thanks so much to all runners, volunteers, supporters and friends. ”
Some people signing in at the race stopped to take photos at the Brooke Jackman garden – with a bench and the statue of a little girl reading a book, outside the Roosevelt Elementary School.
As the race began, some of the runners made short dashes back and forth to get up to speed. When the race began, the top contenders led the pack followed by runners, walkers, and moms pushing carriages.
After a short time of talking to Oyster Bay Fire Department Company No. 1 member Mike Scheck – their ambulance was parked at the end of the block to keep away cars – the racers returned to run under the arch, down the roped off area, to the waiting photographers.
As the race ended Daryll Ranaldo stopped by to say hello. He is one of OBHS’s well-remembered athletes.
Kathy Prinz of FootPrinz, a relatively new business in town, was offering massage therapy for the runners.
At the Bonanza stand, runners were lining up for chocolate ices. A hungry runner was carrying off a tray of hot dogs with the trimmings to sit in back on the picnic tables and benches.
It was another great day to be in the hamlet of Oyster Bay.
