Yet, his friends were Wanamassa students and his memories were of a neighborhood that was filled with smaller homes where residents were closer as well. He recalled block parties held by the neighbors; how his friends could walk to school; and how all would agree, it is a great school. He read a proclamation from the Township Council recognizing the special day of celebration.
Palaia shared some humorous anecdotes about his tenure as principal, recalling the time his office had been moved to the basement while construction went on.
They sometimes forgot I was there and didnt call me for assembly, he said, to the laughter of the audience who remembered him and cheered his presence. The Senator presented a plaque from the State of New Jersey commemorating the school.
Council members Dave Hyers and Donna Schepiga also attended the occasion, as did Board of Education members Ray Mendel and Jan Surmount. Two former PTS Presidents Toni Gersten and Tracey Berkowitz were joined by the schools Math / Science Supervisor Victor Milano.
Then there were the other visitors and guises: the ponies, the llama, the ducks, the goats and sheep who delighted giving the children rides and eating grain from their hands. Not to be overlooked were the many volunteers who sold baked goods, made name bracelets for little girls, applied three day tattoos, and operated the ball toss and other games of chance.
If you missed Saturdays fun, you can still buy a commemorative T-shirt with a photo of the school by calling the school.
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