The Peru Gazette

Assemblywoman Janet Duprey cuts the celebratory ribbon and School Superintendent Dr. Patrick Brimstein looks on.

By John T. Ryan

Tuesday, April 19, 2016 was a historic day for staff and students at Peru elementary School. The school’s long-awaited elevator was put into service. Assemblywoman Janet Duprey, who expedited funding for the project, cut the ribbon to celebrate the elevator’s being put into service.

Many Peru Elementary School assemblies, concerts and other activities take place in the “Crackerbox” gym at the southern end of the very long school. Prior to Tuesday, students confined to a wheelchair or having mobility challenges had to leave the building and travel down a long sidewalk to the Crackerbox. Being outdoors may have been pleasant during the springtime, but it wasn’t so enjoyable during Peru’s cold winter months.

Peru Central Superintendent Dr. Patrick Brimstein praised Assemblywoman Janet Duprey for her support of the elevator project. He explained. “We wanted to get the project completed, but it was going very slowly. Janet Duprey called the State Education Department and she was able to get the project moving.”

3rd grader Jay Wood and teacher Courtney Rock were some of the first elevator riders.