Valley Stream 24 Honors Teacher's Memory with a Memorial Bench

The Valley Stream 24 School District recently honored the legacy of retired teacher Jim Friel, who passed away this past February, with a ribbon cutting of a bench dedicated in his name. Mr. Friel’s family donated the bench to Robert W. Carbonaro School, where he taught for 16 years, and cut the ribbon at a ceremony with district administration, staff, and Board of Education members present.

"Mr. Friel undeniably made a profound and lasting impression on the Valley Stream 24 School District community. The remarkable stories and cherished memories recounted by staff members who worked with him have left a touching legacy. It is an honor to have a bench bearing his name at the very school where he dedicated his teaching career,” said Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Unal Karakas.

Principal Rosario Iacono, along with Mr. Friel's wife, Peggy, and district staff members, delivered heartfelt speeches to the community, reflecting on Mr. Friel's profound influence and the numerous lives he touched.

Mr. Friel was born in Rockville Centre before moving to Valley Stream. He and his wife Peggy raised two children and have four grandchildren. Mr. Friel is remembered for his selflessness, kindness, and his passion for giving his students the confidence to believe in themselves.

For more information about Valley Stream 24, please visit the District’s website at https://valleystreamschooldistrict24.org and ‘like’ our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VS24SchoolDistrict #MakeTheConnection #VS24