By Rebecca Gorelov ’14, Staff Writer
Video by Robin Giles ’12, Arts & Entertainment Editor
On April 14 at 12:27 pm, the Dining Hall erupted with cheers to celebrate Madeline Primavera’s 90th birthday. The nonagenarian was greeted by the voices of hundreds of students singing “Happy Birthday” – a task admirably aided by Newark Academy’s own Diminuendo. To add to the festivities, the cooking club baked nine different birthday cakes. The celebration brought tears to Madeline’s eyes as she proclaimed, “It was one of the most beautiful things anyone has ever done for me.”
Madeline has been working at Newark Academy for 44 years and has loved every day of it. In 1964 Newark Academy moved to Livingston, and three years later Madeline found her new home at Newark Academy with a part-time job.
Soon the part-time job turned into a full-time commitment. She reminisced, “I got the job just to try it out…yet as time went on I got to know the kids and faculty…I just loved it.” She came in each day excited to organize a new event or to help set up a fundraiser. Madeline exclaimed, “It wasn’t really going to work anymore, it was just having fun.” When asked what kept her coming back…she said it was the kids and faculty. She explained, “It’s so much more then just helping out at lunch. It’s seeing and talking to the kids everyday; and coming out to talk to faculty members.”
As years went on, the school changed its cooking staff numerous times yet Madeline has remained a constant. Despite this, she claimed the kitchen staff always ended up bonding together. Madeline says, “it’s like working with your friends everyday.” She admires Mr. Brower as well as the other cooks that have worked in Newark Academy’s kitchen in past years. She says, “I am blessed to be able to work with such a great group of people…and I look forward to working with them in the future.”
What Madeline enjoys most is Newark Academy’s sense of community. Each day she interacts with almost every student and faculty member. Even though she doesn’t know each student personally, she felt “remembered and cherished almost like a celebrity” upon seeing the celebrators. Madeline Primavera is Newark Academy’s true lifer.
See below for a brief video from the celebration!
[vimeo 23275626 nolink]
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