The Sewanhaka Central High School District recently hosted the inaugural Dr. Tripodi Memorial Walk to honor, celebrate and remember former Director of Special Education Dr. Victoria Tripodi.
Tripodi passed away in November of 2015 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. For 12 years, she provided the leadership in supervising and facilitating the district programs for more than 1,000 students with disabilities. The walk, which the district plans to make an annual event, included more than 200 participants.
Members from Tripodi’s family, teachers, retirees, clerical staff, teaching assistants, building administrators, parents and students from all five of the district’s component school buildings gathered to listen as Assistant Superintendent of PPS Regina Agrusa, a former colleague and friend of Tripodi, spoke about the late educator’s accomplishments and contributions to the district. Before kicking off the walk, five students from each school held a balloon that represented their designated school color. The students let the balloons go as people clapped, cried and remembered their former colleague with admiration and respect.
Proceeds from the event were deposited into a scholarship fund to honor a graduating senior with a disability. The recipients will be selected by a committee. The criteria for the award tasks applicants to write an essay that describes a staff member that had the greatest impact on the student during their high school career.
This beautiful tribute was a tremendous success thanks to many staff members from New Hyde Park as well as the district who walked in memory of Tripodi. A special thank you to the student volunteers from the New Hyde Parks Best Buddy Program who staffed the table and sold T-shirts.
—Submitted by the Sewanhaka Central High School District
