Centennial Avenue Hosts First “Miles for Miles’ Walk-a-Thon

ROOSEVELT, NEW YORK (MAY 2023) — Vanessa Miles always instructed her students about the importance of coming together to celebrate love and community. She left an impact on multiple generations of students throughout the 23 years she taught first grade at Centennial Avenue Elementary School in the Roosevelt School District. On a recent sunny May morning, staff and students paid tribute to her legacy with its first Miles for Miles Walk-a-Thon. Students collected donations by pledging to participate and raised over $5,000 to dedicate a park bench in her name and launch a scholarship and plaque to present to a graduating sixth-grade student. Additional funds will be added to the school’s curricular activities account.

“Vanessa Miles was a beacon of love and joy who touched the lives of so many students, some of whom are now adults and continue to cherish the impact she had on their lives,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Deborah Wortham. “The Roosevelt community was tremendously affected by her passing, and we are grateful and proud to have the opportunity to commemorate her legacy in such a beautiful way.”

Students took the lead in the fundraising efforts and learned about dedication to a selfless cause, teamwork, and leadership skills. The fundraiser also promoted the importance of staying healthy and exercising.

Staff and students joined in the courtyard of Centennial Avenue Elementary School for the event, which included speeches from faculty who worked with Mrs. Miles and the unveiling of the new park bench. Sitting beside the school’s playground, the bench is engraved with a butterfly and reads: “In Loving Memory of Mrs. Vanessa Miles. Forever in our Hearts.”

Mrs. Miles, who passed away in February 2023, was born in Brooklyn in 1960. When she was a child, she and her family moved to Freeport, where she graduated from Freeport High School. At an early age, she aspired to be a teacher and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Early Childhood Development from Adelphi University.

Mrs. Miles enjoyed traveling, baking sewing and spending time with her friends and family. She valued community and loved making others happy and bringing people together.

To learn more about the Roosevelt Union Free School District, please visit the District's website at https://www.rooseveltufsd.org. Happenings in the District can also be followed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RooseveltUFSD.