Playground to be named for retiring principal

Barbara Longo is joined by mascot Apples and Superintendent of Schools William Setaro at the groundbreaking ceremony for a playground that will bear her name.

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - Members of the PTO at the C. Richard Applegate School recently honored their principal, Barbara Longo, by dedicating a new playground at the school in her name. The dedication was made by parents to mark Longo's retirement this summer after 17 years at Applegate.

"Mrs. Longo has actively supported us in our goal to raise funds for this project and we thought it was an appropriate way to honor her for her dedication and hard work over the years," PTO Co-President Robin Keller said.

Parents, teachers, students and the school mascot, Apples, looked on and cheered during the groundbreaking.

Co-President Beth Grossman then thanked Longo for her support and invited her back to a ribbon-cutting ceremony when the activity center is completed. The Barbara Longo Activity Center is scheduled to be constructed in the next few weeks and will be ready for use by fourth- and fifth-grade pupils in September, according to a press release from the Free-hold Township School District.

As part of the dedication, Superinten-dent of Schools William Setaro attended to show his appreciation of Longo as a valued administrator and friend.

"Mrs. Longo has worked hard to make Applegate a family, and she will be missed," Setaro said.

When speaking to the group, Longo said she will always remember Applegate as an exceptional school and part of a close community that works together as a family.

"This has been an amazing time of my life. I have accomplished the goals I have set here, and it is now time to start a new vision," she said.

Upon her retirement, Longo plans to become a mentor for school administrators at the Foundation for Educational Administration.

"I am truly honored that everyone came together for this dedication and that my name will remain part of the school for years to come," she said.