Marvine Family and Community Center celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony May 18 in the company of the Bethlehem Mounted Police and a host of others from the community. The Community Center houses numerous programs that support the educational mission of the school.

Board members Dr. Dean Donaher and Dr. Silaga White were among the crowd. Marvine is a United Way Community School and works in collaboration with St. Luke’s Health Network and Just Born Quality confections.

After the ribbon cutting ceremony, fifth graders dressed in costumes, portraying well-known historical figures that they researched, summarized what their historical figure was known for.

Marvine ES Principal Eric Fontanez welcomed everyone attending the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Cesar Cordorva, Community School coordinator, shared a story of helping out a family in need of basic things and not have to worry about food insecurity which was a much bigger issue than originally thought.

“Today shows that kind of idea that runs through the Bethlehem Area School District and the City of Bethlehem that it’s not just about you, it’s about people other than you,” said Bethlehem Mayor William J. Reynolds. “Other kids matter just as much as your own child does. We could not be more proud to be here and say thank you. You’re heroes and role models for me.”

Bethlehem Area Superintendent Dr, Joseph Roy noted how the community comes together to support all of children to make sure that they’re fed, clothed and supported so they are ready to learn.

“All the people here today are part of the solution in knocking down those barriers, making sure the kids here at Marvine have an equitable opportunity to access the wonderful experiences,” Roy said.

Lissette Maldonado, supervisor of Parents as Teachers Program, spoke of the program’s child development tools offered through the program.

Brandon Campos from Second Harvest said his organization has been working with Marvine Food Pantry and the community for several years.

“Second Harvest couldn’t be more proud,” Maldonado said.

Fontanez introduced Julissa Jimenez, the incoming Marvine principal (pending board approval), to help cut the ribbon. Fontanez has accepted another position within the Bethlehem Area School District as a supervisor of equity initiatives.