Pumping Up Middle Gate

By Larissa Lytwyn

Middle Gate Elementary School students will soon have the opportunity to use a climbing wall provided by Gary Buzzanca, owner of Buzz’s Mobil, through a ExxonMobil Educational Alliance Program grant the Buzzanca family matched, as well as $800 contributed by the Middle Gate PTA and $300 from physical education funds in the Middle Gate budget.

Mr Buzzanca was first awarded the grant in 1997. Through the past few years, the $500 grant, matched each time with $500 from the Buzzanca family, has helped give Middle Gate Apple Quick Time digital cameras, CD burners, and a LCD projector.

“It’s a wonderful program,” said Laura Buzzanca. “And Middle Gate has a great PTA. There are a lot of really active parents here.” The Buzzanca family includes Middle Gate kindergartner, Anna, and second grader, Garrison.

“It’s a very collaborative effort,” agreed Principal Judith Gallo.

“The kids are very excited,” said physical education teacher Laura Cooper. As part of a new education unit, Ms Cooper said, students will have a chance to use the climbing wall during every gym period over the next few weeks. “It’ll be a reward for them after running the mile recently,” she added with a smile.

The climbing wall was installed at the end of August.