NEWS & EVENTS: SIA IN THE NEWS STORY DETAILS

Field of Dreams

April 6, 2005 - The Alexander Robbins Steinman Memorial Field was dedicated beneath brilliant blue skies. The dedication began with a spirit rally in the O.J. Buck Gymnasium by the entire school community, and Alex's family and friends. Afterwards, the formal dedication took place around the flagpole on the renovated memorial field. Speakers included Diane J. Hulse, Head of School, Rachel Steinman Kelleher and Denis Kelleher. The Reverend Terry Troia of Project Hospitality blessed the new playing field. The day culminated with baseball and softball games, a tennis match and, of course, peanuts, popcorn and Crackerjacks for all.

The Memorial Field is a gift to Staten Island Academy from the Alexander Robbins Steinman Foundation. Founded in 2002, the foundation was established in honor and memory of Alexander Robbins Steinman, an Academy alumnus and trader at Cantor Fitzgerald, who died in the September 11th World Trade Center attacks. The foundation has received extremely generous support from family, friends and local community members. In its first year, the foundation raised nearly a quarter of a million dollars for the project, which included the renovation of the Academy’s extensive outdoor athletic complex.

The vision for the new field complex was extensive. The project included stripping the current baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse fields, leveling the grounds, installing a complete irrigation system, and laying new sod on the expansive sports fields. The Memorial Field, which makes up over half of the Academy’s pastoral 12-acre campus, also includes new fencing, new backstops, a paved path along the field’s perimeter, and a grand stone entryway with flagpole and memorial plaque.

Staten Island Academy currently has 32 junior varsity and varsity teams in its Middle and Upper School divisions. Athletics make up a significant part of the well-rounded and demanding liberal arts education that the Academy offers. Over 75% of Upper School students play on at least one athletic team. This fall, in keeping with the school’s long-held tradition of athletic excellence, an impressive 16% of Staten Island Academy’s 2004 graduating class will go on to play Division I, II, and III athletics in college.

Staten Island Academy (1884) is an independent, co-ed college preparatory school educating children from pre-Kindergarten through high school, on a 12-acre campus. Through a rigorous academic program, and comprehensive arts and athletics programs, the Academy challenges students to stretch their minds and bodies, and to value independence and integrity. The school is located at 715 Todt Hill Road in Staten Island. For more information, visit www.statenislandacademy.org, or call (718) 987-8100.

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To arrange interviews or photographs, please contact Maureen McShane, Director of Communications at (718) 303-7805, mmcshane@statenislandacademy.org.