On a brilliant, blue-sky day, much like the one on September 11, 2001, the Oyster Bay community gathered at the Theodore Roosevelt School on June 12 to dedicate the Brooke Jackman Memorial Reading Garden. Brooke was among the victims of the collapse of the World Trade Center. The focal point of the garden is a statue of a child reading, donated by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dubroff, with the inscription, "In memory of Brooke Alexandra Jackman, who had a deep love of reading and a profound interest in helping children. Her kindness, beauty and intelligence will always be remembered."

"There is not a better place for this memorial than at the Roosevelt School," said Superintendent of Schools George J. Chesterton. "The focus of this building reflects Brooke' love of reading, learning and children," Dr. Chesterton added. "As the flowers bloom in this garden, a new bloom of children begins in this school."

Roosevelt Principal Allison Brown said that not a day goes by that staff members and visitors who pass the garden don't take a deep breath and think of Brooke. "We want to live up to the high honor that this memorial represents and hope that it will inspire all children and other members of the community to sustain Brooke's love of reading," Mrs. Brown said.

Board of Education President Robin Dando also viewed the garden as an inspiration. "Brooke demonstrated that you can make a small difference with the things you do. With the planting of this garden, nature's beauty is a reflection of Brooke and her legacy will live on," she added.

Town Supervisor John Venditto and other public officials also reflected on Brooke's legacy. Mr. Venditto said, "All residents of the Town should come to this garden and take some time to think about a good and decent person and the sacrifices made for freedom. For the youngsters in the community, Brooke provides a role model-one you don't have to look far for but one who is right here in your own backyard." Councilman Chris Coschignano, Councilwoman Rose Walker and Town Clerk Steve Labriola presented Brooke's family with a street sign inscribed with "Brooke Jackman Drive, 9/11/01."

Ross Jackman, Brooke's brother, spoke on behalf of the family and the Brooke Jackman Foundation. Referring to the statue, titled Bookworm II by Gary Price, Mr. Jackman reflected on his sister's love of reading. Overwhelmed with memories of Brooke who was a student at Roosevelt, he observed that this is where she learned to read in Mrs. Adam's first grade class. He recounted her tendency to read rather than watch television and even to bring a book along on sleepovers. "We were afraid she would become a bookworm," he said. "However, she became a bookworm in the best sense of the word, using books and her dedication to her school work to develop into an intelligent, kind and compassionate friend to many. Although she left for school and work, her heart and her home were always here in Oyster Bay," he concluded

Among the donors to the Brooke Jackman Memorial Reading Garden are: the Brooke Jackman Foundation, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dubroff, Burton, Behrendt & Smith, School Construction Consultants, Circuit Electric, Young Equipment, Smithhaven Mechanical, Landtek, Contracting, Inc., OB-EN Extra Classroom Activity Fund, OB-EN Custodial Unit, OB-EN Athletic Association, Roosevelt Parent-Teacher Association, OB-EN Clerical Unit, OB-EN Faculty, Dr. George J. Chesterton, Dr. Phyllis Harrington, Janie Givens, Georgia Waltzer, Renato Grella and Cosmo Jile.