Letters to the Editor: East Rockaway, Lynbrook

Rock Rivalry should remain

To the Editor:
Regarding the story about East Rockaway High School cutting back the middle school sports program to save money (“Superintendent: We knew it was coming,” March 15-21):
I vehemently disagree with Theresa Barto’s comments about possibly dropping Rock Rivalry in lieu of middle-school sports. While not every student takes part in Rock Rivalry, as she said, not every student takes part in sports, either — whether they be competitive or intramural. Middle school sports can be played in various programs, such as through PAL, CYO, town leagues, etc., but Rock Rivalry exists in only one place — and that’s at East Rockaway High School. 

Rock Rivalry continues to be the envy of many high schools across Long Island because of its uniqueness and its 76-year tradition. As a graduate of ERHS and a member of the Rock Rivarly two-time Cup-winning class of 1968, to this day Rock Rivalry continues to be a great memory and a main topic of conversation any time alumni get together, whether it be a class reunion, a lunch date or on Facebook.
  Instead, I ask Superintendent Melucci to let her alumni help. There are many who can solicit donations to assist the school. Just let us know.
 
Margaret Johnson
East Rockaway High School
Class of 1968

Proud of Becker’s accomplishments


To the Editor:
We are very proud to be longtime friends and admirers of Hilary Becker, and we’re not surprised that his fellow coaches felt it right to honor him for his dedication in continuing his Uncle Bob’s brilliant idea to introduce the Titan wrestling program to Lynbrook. So much of its success is due to his guidance over the last 30 years.
  As a former Lynbrook mayor, trustee and chairman of the Recreation Commission, I can attest to much of his determination as he watched over the many children that came his way. I am sure that he and the other coaches were directly responsible for the successful lives of so many of those boys that he mentored and who now may be fathers themselves who are using his example to keep young boys on the right path in life.
  We congratulate Becker and his coaches for their dedication to such a fantastic program. On our next visit to our beloved Lynbrook, we want to have a look through the memory book that they presented to him.

Former Lynbrook Mayor Eugene Scarpato and
Virginia Scarpato