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Alexandra Kazickas Lithuanian School students, teachers and parents gathered at the beach for the school year opening. School's student Ema Vilcinskaite shares excitement from that day, as well as some school's new developments with the oldest Lithuanian newspaper published outside of Lithuania "Draugas":
"Alexandra Kazickas Lithuanian School started its school year on a warm and sunny September 9th at the Ponquogue Beach in Hampton Bays, New York. Warm late summer breeze was inviting everyone to enjoy ocean waves, play in the sand and fly kites.
Students excitedly chatted sharing their summer adventures and were building friendships with new students. When everyone gathered, Lithuanian National Anthem "Lithuania, Our Homeland" echoed throughout the beach. Screeching seagulls and wind gusts brought us all together again. After the anthem Neila Baumiliene who led school for 11 years since its very opening, congratulated everyone and introduced new school principal Gintaute Genender. We weren't just celebrating new school year opening. We were sharing excitement about our new "home" - Cornell Cooperative Extension" building in Riverhead, New York where school is moving this year as well.
Later on children, teachers an parents competed in a sand castle building, boys challenged girls. Some were carrying water, others were digging sand, while the rest were decorating their castles with pebbles, shells and even crab legs. According to a well known saying, "Good start - half of work done". After such a great first day we hope an amazing and productive year is waiting for us ahead."
Ema Vilcinskaite - Alexandra Kazickas Lithuanian School student
Photo: Jolanta Vilcinskiene