Rydal Elementary School-East students, staff, the Frankel family and friends, school district administrators, and Rydal PTO parents gathered yesterday to dedicate the Shane Frankel Playground in honor of Rydal Elementary School alumnus Shane Frankel. Sean and Rachael generously donated the new playground in memory of Shane, who passed away much too early in life.
Dr. Sichel thanked the family for their generosity, saying that Sean and Rachel Frankel’s tribute to Mr. Frankel’s brother, Shane, has been initiated with compassion and thoughtfulness. She said, “They have made this beautiful playground possible as a loving tribute to Shane, who passed away at an early age. The benefit of this playground for the Rydal School and all of the children who will have an opportunity to play here will last a long time.” Dr. Sichel said that In addition to our appreciation for what they have donated, she hopes that they have set an example for others to be benefactors, providing donations to our schools that benefit our students.
Rydal Principal Mrs. Marbury thanked the family for its wonderful donation, describing how the students have anxiously watched the playground equipment being installed and waiting excitedly for the joy of using it. Mrs. Marbury continued: “The gorgeous new equipment will serve the children and families of the Rydal community for many years. They are a monument to the dedication of many caring people in the Abington community who turned a dream into a reality. A reality that was made possible by the generosity of Sean and Rachel Frankel. The Shane Frankel Playground is a powerful symbol of the love one brother has for another and reminds us of the importance of family as we prepare to celebrate this Thanksgiving.”
Rydal student council president Ben Fall thanked the Frankel family and gave them a basketful of “thank you” notes from the Rydal students. Rydal students enthusiastically cheered when the Frankel family unveiled the sign at the playground.
Dr. Sichel said “At this time of Thanksgiving, when families come together to celebrate joy and to give thanks, it could not be a more fitting time to dedicate the Shane Frankel Playground.”
After the formal presentations the Frankel family hung the tribute plaque in the school lobby.
