In a standing-room only program in Germantown, MD, the Spark Matsunaga Elementary/Longview School was formally dedicated this past Sunday. The school officially opened in September, 2001 and is the first school in the DC-metropolitan area and all of Maryland to be named for an Asian Pacific American.
The dedication program featured remarks from local elected officials representing the Montgomery County Council and the Board of Education; the County Superintendent of Schools; the Matsunaga family; members of the Maryland House of Delegates and the Senate; the Matsunaga Student Body President; Representative Connie Morella (R-8-MD); and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta.
An educational video about Spark M. Matsunaga, produced by the County and narrated by George Takei, was shown. The fourth grade chorus presented a lively rendition of the “Matsunaga Medley” and the Matsunaga School song; the school’s time capsule was unveiled and representatives of the Matsunaga/Longview School and Karen Hardman, daughter of Spark Matsunaga, cut the ribbon to dedicate the facility. Also in attendance were Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI), Congressman Neil Abercrombie (D-1-HI) and a number of locally-elected officials. School principal, Mrs. Judy Brubaker, was the mistress of ceremonies.
In his comments Matt Matsunaga, Hawaii State Senator and son of Spark Matsunaga, noted, “My family is truly humbled that Montgomery County has honored my father in this way. And if he were here, he'd be embarrassed by all the attention, but I think he'd be secretly pleased that the county took this step to honor the diversity of its people and the contributions of the Asian American community.”
Noted Kristine Minami, Director for Public Affairs for the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) and long-time Montgomery County resident, “The dedication of the Matsunaga Elementary/Longview School was a proud moment for the Asian Pacific American residents of Montgomery County. It’s a beautiful facility that brings together the Matsunaga School kids and the Longview special education students -- which is truly fitting of Senator Matsunaga’s vision of communities working together in peace.”
“Our school is proud to bear the name of this great American whose legacy will inspire our community forever. Senator Matsunaga’s memory will serve to remind students and staff that public service, strong educational goals, patriotism and personal pride are qualities to live by. Senator Matsunaga will be remembered for all his work to teach the principles of peace yet value just causes for humanity. He knew when to use his talents to inspire change and was never afraid to stand proudly to have his voice heard.” – statement from the school included in the dedication ceremony program.
Spark Matsunaga was a war hero and an elected official who represented Hawaii in Congress as a Member of the House of Representatives and a Senator. He lived in Montgomery County with his family during his tenure in Congress from 1962 until his passing in 1990. For more information about the school, please visit its website at: http://www.mcps.k12.md.us/schools/matsunagaes/
For photos of the school or from the event, please contact Kristine Minami at (202) 223-1240.
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