MGV Family Remembers Beloved Student and Security Guard

Students, teachers and administrators at North Babylon’s Marion G. Vedder Elementary School recently came together to pay tribute to two cherished members of its school community who recently passed by planting and dedicating trees in their name.

In separate ceremonies, fifth-grader Taylor Dattoli and longtime school security guard Bernard Lettieri were honored among their loved ones. Taylor, who tragically lost her battle to cancer, was celebrated as a precious and radiant student who touched the lives of so many of her teachers and peers. Lettieri, who warmly welcomed students to school with a glowing smile everyday, will be remembered as a friend to each member of the MGV family.

During the ceremonies, fifth-grade chorus students sang songs of tribute in loving memory of Taylor and Lettieri. Faculty members spoke about how Dattoli’s and Lettieri’s hearts of gold impacted their lives, and students who had created paper flowers and adorned them with heartfelt messages walked up to a basket to place them inside. Finally, the trees were planted and dedicated in the school’s Children’s Garden.

The tree dedication ceremonies served as ways for the MGV family to pay tribute to two of its beloved members whose memories will live on forever.

Photos Courtesy North Babylon School District