It was a monumental evening in the Lynbrook Public Schools as the Lynbrook Board of Education and central administrators officially unveiled the name of Lynbrook High School’s new wing on Oct. 13. Board members pulled the white sheet down and against the brick in beautiful silver letters read the “Alicemarie Bresnihan Wing.” It was dedicated to the late Lynbrook board trustee Alicemarie Bresnihan, who was a staple in the school community for decades and served on the board for 45 years.

The new wing was part of the district’s 2017 bond referendum to expand educational opportunities for Lynbrook students by increasing the space at the high school. The long-anticipated wing officially opened before the first day of the 2021-22 school year.

Building principals, former board members, Lynbrook parents, students and the Bresnihan family were all present for the special dedication ceremony. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Melissa Burak expressed how Mrs. Bresnihan was deserving of this tribute for all of the years she served the students of Lynbrook. This included attending every school and district event and supporting the schools in any way that she could.

“I think she made all of us better educators and board members,” said Dr. Burak. “I don’t think we will ever have someone like her again so tonight we dedicate the new wing in her honor because she really fought hard for this. She was always a proponent of making Lynbrook a better place.”
Board President William Belmont, who knew Mrs. Bresnihan since he was a student himself in the district, also recalled Mrs. Bresnihan’s legacy in Lynbrook. He spoke about how much he learned from her over the years, the perspective she taught and the passion she had.

“This is extremely fitting,” Mr. Belmont said. “It is a very special thing to have your name on something that will be there forever and she is someone who really deserves it.”

One of Mrs. Bresnihan’s daughters, Elaine, spoke on behalf of the whole Bresnihan family and expressed her gratitude towards the school district for the tribute to her mother.

“I want to thank you for this tremendous honor of naming the new wing of Lynbrook High School after our mother, Alicemarie Bresnihan,” she said. “Mom was an advocate of education for all children. Our father, John Bresnihan, was always at her side during their Lynbrook school board adventures. Both of them were interested in excellence in education.”

Elaine shared her mother’s school board candidacy speech that kicked off Mrs. Bresnihan’s 45-year commitment to the education of the children of Lynbrook. There is no doubt that she went above and beyond to fulfill her commitment throughout the years and her service will never be forgotten. Generations to come will know her name as it is proudly displayed on Lynbrook High School.