Gotham student vote

Gotham Avenue School students received a first-hand lesson in democracy when they voted to elect classmates in grades 4-6 to the school’s Student Council.

Superintendent of Schools Al Harper, Councilman Edward Ambrosino, Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages and members of Elmont American Legion Post #1033 joined parents and students at the assembly, which began with students reciting the pledge of allegiance and singing “You’re a Grand Old Flag.”

Councilman Ambrosino asked members of the audience to join him in applauding the students who were vying for a Student Council position, before wishing the candidates luck.

“Thank you for making the sacrifice to run. It takes a lot of guts to get up here and try to make things better,” Councilman Ambrosino said.

Gotham Avenue Principal Marshall Zucker thanked student council advisors John Hakanson and Mike Richards for assisting the student candidates. He also expressed his gratitude to the veterans in attendance and explained the importance of the November holidays to students.

“I think November is the most American month because the holidays in November define our country,” Zucker said. “If I could I would reverse the holidays and make Veterans Day before Election Day because without our veterans there would be no Election Day. The veterans put their lives on the line and many gave their lives for this country.”

Zucker also spoke of the importance of voting, telling students to select a candidate who can uphold the responsibilities of their position.

“You need to elect people who you know can influence me and influence you, to make you the very finest students.”

Following Zucker’s remarks, students took to the podium and expressed his or her qualifications for the office they hoped to be elected to. Once the assembly was finished, students headed back to their classrooms to vote.