The Oak Park Elementary Home & School Association is undertaking an ambitious gazebo project to memorialize a former teacher, hoping to raise $20,000 from its school community and public at-large to make it a reality.
On Feb. 11, Oak Park Elementary lost fifth-grade teacher Sharon Sobotkin to cancer. Sobotkin had been a teacher at the Hatfield Township school since 2013. Sobotkin had previously worked at Bridle Path Elementary and had been placed on medical leave nearly a year prior to her death. She was the daughter of Felecia and the late Dr. Fred Sobotkin, sister to Lee and Jon Sobotkin, and mom to dogs Buddy, Rusty, and Brooks.
According to the home and school association, Sobotkin was a real-life superhero teacher.
"She was caring, supportive, and passionate about her students. Sharon never backed down from a challenge in the classroom and was determined to help every student find their love for reading. Her classroom was full of laughter, learning, and innovative experiences; making lasting memories with everyone who was lucky enough to know her,” stated a narrative on the donation drive provided by Oak Park Home & School.
Thus, the students, staff, and families of Oak Park Elementary School wish to build a memorial gazebo in her honor.
Planning calls for the 16-foot gazebo to be built behind the school, alongside the playground. The gazebo would be big enough to fit a classroom of students.
"We hope that this special place can be used to help create meaningful learning experiences for the students at Oak Park, just like she had in her classroom. We also hope that former students and community members who have known her can enjoy this space in her honor,” according to the association.
The $20,000 will go toward the supplies and labor costs, which includes the installation fee. Any additional monies will go toward benches and landscaping.
"Sharon’s loss has been truly heartbreaking, but we hope that with this gazebo her bright light can continue to shine on the Oak Park community, inspiring learners for years to come,” wrote the association.
Donate toward the memorial gazebo on the Oak Park Elementary Home & School website here.
