Two of the three most powerful elected officials came to Roosevelt High School-Early College Studies this week to celebrate the re-opening of the new athletic field and dedication of the auditorium. State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins was joined by Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, and many other officials including Yonkers Board of Education President the Rev. Steve Lopez, Vice President Ramos Meier and trustees, and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin Quezada, along with Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, City Council President Mike Khader and council members, State Sen. Shelley Mayer, Assemblymen Gary Pretlow and Dr. Nader Sayegh at the Roosevelt High School-Early College Studies dedication of the Mayor Angelo R. Martinelli Auditorium and the re-opening of the Tony DeMatteo New Turf Field and Athletic Facility.
Three years ago, through the support of the New York State Assembly, the Yonkers Board of Education received $20 million from the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, which provides construction funding for education, health care and municipalities. The Board of Education initially allocated $5 million for Roosevelt High School’s renovations to include a state-of-the-art auditorium, repairs on the athletic field and gymnasium, and to refurbish the gym locker rooms.
During a visit to the school, Speaker Carl Heastie, after seeing the school’s run-down field, asserted that Yonkers students deserve a high-quality field. He allocated an additional $1 million, enabling construction of a state-of-the-art turf facility for football, soccer, lacrosse and track.
“The most powerful New York State leaders were at Roosevelt to champion and celebrate the results from their commitment to Yonkers’ education,” said President Lopez. “They sent a clear message to our students and the Yonkers community that quality education is important. They affirmed that Yonkers children have the right to thrive in state-of-the-art learning environments.”
Superintendent Quezada added: “Most important, our state leaders value education and took action putting funds in place to support the demonstrated success of Yonkers students due to the outstanding work of our administrators, teachers and support staff.”
He celebrated Roosevelt’s transformation within just a few years from a struggling school to a school in good standing, and one of the best community high schools in the region. “This remarkable transformation evolved because of a passion for our students and the work,” said Quezada. “The success of this process is grounded in the vibrant partnerships among the district, City of Yonkers and the state, and most important, Roosevelt High School’s administrators, faculty, staff, parents and students.”
“Today’s dedications are in tribute to two special individuals who are symbolic of our city’s many achievements,” said Mayor Spano. “Roosevelt High School’s community will forever be grateful for the dedication Mayor Martinelli and Tony DeMatteo have shown toward the people of Yonkers, especially to our youth. I also want to thank Assembly Speaker Heastie and our state delegation for their support in funding the renovations to the school’s facilities, once again demonstrating their unwavering commitment to our students.”
“I am happy to have joined my colleagues in the Legislature in securing the funding needed to renovate the field and auditorium at Roosevelt High School,” added Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins. “These modernized facilities will broaden students’ opportunities to play sports and assemble together for announcements and performances, which will help to enhance their academic experience. Education is the great equalizer, and every student deserves access to resources that will help them achieve success in school.”
“Having the ability to return to Roosevelt High School after three years and see the final renovations was heartwarming,” said Speaker Heastie. “When the Assembly dedicated $1 million in funding to the construction of a new athletic facility, we knew it would provide opportunities for the students of Yonkers for decades to come. Our young people deserve a space that has the capability to influence their academic, creative and athletic enrichment. The rehabilitation of both the Mayor Angelo R. Martinelli Auditorium and the Tony DeMatteo Field illustrates this.”
Sen. Mayer said he is “thrilled” for Yonkers students to enjoy the renovated, state-of-the-art facilities.
“Thank you to NYS Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, who secured the funds used for the renovations, and for his tireless leadership and advocacy on behalf of Yonkers students and students all across New York State,” she said. “An essential part of investing in the education and health of our students is investing in the maintenance and updating of schools’ infrastructure. As the chair of the State Senate Education Committee, I will continue to work with my colleagues to secure additional resources for our students, teachers, and schools.”
“It was truly a great honor to be a part of this heartfelt ceremony in honor of Mayor Angelo R. Martinelli and Tony DeMatteo,” added Assemblyman Pretlow. “The dedication of The Mayor Angelo R. Martinelli Auditorium and re-opening of the Tony DeMatteo Field and New Turf Athletic Facility marks a major milestone in the superb academic growth and development at Roosevelt High School-Early College Studies. I am delighted that so many of our youngsters will be able to learn and grow in a state-of-the art facility such as Roosevelt for many years to come.”
“It was my pleasure to attend the naming of the Roosevelt High School Auditorium in memory of Mayor Martinelli,” said Assemblyman Sayegh. “I knew him for over 40 years and can attest to the tremendous contributions he and his family have made to the City of Yonkers. Also, I took pride in the re-opening celebration of the Tony DeMatteo Field. Coach DeMatteo was integral to the enhancement of the sports programs in our city, especially delivering state football championships.”
City Council President Khader noted: “It has been great to witness the transformation of the Tony DeMatteo Field and Athletic Facility thanks to some much-needed New York State funding for our schools. I was honored to be a part of the ceremony, which also honored the late Mayor Angelo Martinelli. May his life and legacy live on through the newly dedicated auditorium.”
Present at the dedication was three generations of the Martinelli family. Speaking on behalf of their six brothers were Roosevelt High School graduates Richard, from the Class of 1976, former City Council president; and Tom, of the Class of 1978.
Football Coach Tony DeMatteo was present to share in the excitement over the re-opening of the new turf field that was dedicated to him over a decade ago, and the accolades for his work and commitment to generations of Yonkers students.
