The lovely lady of Orange is 100

ORANGE - Mary L. Tracy School is celebrating a century of excellence in education anda town-wide Centennial Gala will be held at 6 p.m. May 1 at Grassy Hill Country Club.

It began in 1909, when Frank Clark Woodruff and Watson Stiles Woodruff generously donated land for the building of a school, celebration organizers said in a statement.


Then, in 1910, Orange Center School opened "as a place that would plant the seeds of understanding for future generations," the statement said.


Additions were made to the building in 1925 and 1949. On November 18, 1956, the school was re-named to honor Mary L. Tracy in appreciation for her years of devoted service to the children of Orange as a teacher and principal, the statement said.

In 1989, the school was re-dedicated as an Early Childhood Center to meet the new needs of a growing town and the educational needs of its children. It currently houses the district-wide kindergarten classes and pre-school programs.
“With the current trend of demolishing historic buildings to make way for new ones, it is wonderful that the town of Orange chose to renovate this beautiful building and continue its use for another century," Principal Ralph A. Nuzzo said.

A town-wide Centennial Committee was formed two years ago. Susan Csjeka, who has three generations of her family who have attended the school, is the chairwoman, the statement said.

“A major goal in planning was that the centennial events be town-wide celebrations to underscore the historical significance of this important moment in the town of Orange,” she said.
Planned events include educational experiences for current students, coordinated with the Orange Historical Society, a time capsule, a keepsake ornament, and a commemorative plaque for the school foyer.

“We hope that the centennial events will bring together many people who have had a connection with this school over the many years either as a student, parent, teacher, or in any other way,” Nuzzo said.

Nuzzo said that former MLT principal and superintendent of schools John Kowal and former first selectwoman and also schools superintendent Dorothy Berger, as well as current town and school staff members, parents, and alumni.
Nuzzo said, “We often hear that this school is a special place. The Centennial Gala will provide an enjoyable evening to share with others who feel the same way”.
For more information about the Centennial Gala, call 203-891-8028 or visit http://www.oess.org/

Editor's note: the information in this post was wholly provided by centennial organizers and is only lightly edited here.