Senator Harckham Delivers Check and Receives a Warm Welcome from FGL Students

Students at Frank G. Lindsey Elementary School provided a warm welcome for New York State Senator Pete Harckham when he paid a visit to the school on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.

First graders from Ms. Kerry Scotto’s class greeted the Senator in the school lobby with signs they created. Senator Harckham then presented them with a novelty check to symbolize the state’s $1 million grant to the Hendrick Hudson School District.

Before posing for photos with students, Senator Harckham and Hendrick Hudson Superintendent of Schools Michael A. Tromblee told the students that part of the government’s role is to help them succeed.

“They want to make this the best place to go to school in the world,” Mr. Tromblee said.

Added Harckham: “This is why we do the work that we do.”

Senator Harckham had informed Mr. Tromblee earlier this month that the funding had been granted to the district. These additional funds will be used to directly support students by helping to offset the loss of revenue stemming from the closure of Indian Point.

Mr. Tromblee was joined Tuesday during the tour by Frank G. Lindsey Principal Dr. Cynthia Kramer; Board of Education trustees Jeremy Basso, Tomica Dietrich and Erica Mills; Hendrick Hudson Education Association President James Rogulski; HHEA representative Penny Hine; and PTA Advocacy Committee Co-Chair Jenean Eichenholtz.

“I am extremely appreciative of the combined efforts of this wonderful community,” Mr. Tromblee said. “It was wonderful to see Senator Harckham meet today with the students, who this funding will directly support.”

After exchanging high-fives and answering a few questions from the first graders, Senator Harckham and Dr. Kramer visited the cafeteria while Pre-K classes were enjoying lunch. The Senator stopped to chat with students and staff members before departing for the school’s music room.

In the music room, kindergarteners from Mrs. Marisa D’Itri and Mrs. Dianne Ellis’ classes performed three songs for the Senator, including one in Spanish and the school song. Senator Harckham thanked the students for their performance and exchanged more high-fives to complete his visit.

“We appreciate the support of Senator Harckham and the New York State Legislature for the $1 million grant given to the Hendrick Hudson Central School District,” Mr. Tromblee said. “In addition to Senator Harckham’s support, many members of our faculty, staff, and community have engaged in passionate advocacy efforts for additional funding to support our students. I want to specifically highlight our partners within the HHEA Teachers Union leadership, the PTA Advocacy Committee, and numerous Board of Education members who have met directly with our elected officials, such as Senator Harckham and Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg, to detail how additional support can assist our community and students.”