The Tom Golisano School at Springbrook Groundbreaking

 

Participants break ground

On Thursday July 29, 2010 thirteen gold shovels were lined up in front of the speakers’ platform as students, parents and staff, along with New York State officials held a ground-breaking ceremony for Springbrook’s new Tom Golisano School at Springbrook. Over 150 community members and state and local leaders attended the historic event to celebrate the $22.5 million expansion, which reflects Springbrook’s over 40 year commitment to meeting the ever-changing needs of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Kathy Yager-Krol (center) and Preschool Director Kelly Meyers (right) lead students in the parade

 

It was the perfect day.  Blue skies and a light summer breeze greeted guests. As Board of Directors President Jack Pitkin finished his welcome speech, music filled the air.  To the words of Miley Cyrus' The Climb, a sea of sky-blue t-shirted youngsters and teachers paraded in carrying Springbrook flags that flapped lightly in the breeze.

          

   

 

Wendy Martinez speaks from the heart

 

Springbrook CEO Patricia E. Kennedy recognized the strong partnership between Springbrook, the Golisano Foundation, numerous friends and donors, families, students and the State of New York– all of whom have supported the project.  Meanwhile, Senator James L. Seward and Assemblyman Pete Lopez acknowledged the many benefits this project will have especially for Otsego County and the surrounding area. 

 

 

Jennifer Elwood address the audience

After recounting the ordeal of finding a stable environment for her son, parent Wendy Martinez -holding back tears - said, “I can sleep at night because of all of you … and for that, I think you so, so much.”  Student Jennifer Elwood concluded, “[The expansion] has brought us hope that more kids will be accepted than pushed away. Once this project is finished, it will change kids’ lives. So let’s step forward and make this the best new and improved Springbrook that people will cherish for generations and generations.”

 

As speakers and dignitaries broke ground with golden shovels, cheers rang out from the crowd. You can never go home again? At Springbrook we say, "Yes, you can!"

 

Pictures from the Groundbreaking Ceremony

Please visit our Flickr Page to see more pictures from the Groundbreaking Ceremony.