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Donation provides lab for school
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Dr. James Chengelis shows a solar-system model to Stadium Drive Elementary students Sami DeFabio, a kindergarten student; Sean Guerriero, also kindergarten; and Gia Triveri, a first-grader. Stadium Drive Principal Jim Goske, center, said the school is grateful for Chengelis’ donation of a school science lab.
BOARDMAN
A Boston doctor received a rock-star welcome at Stadium Drive Elementary School.
When Dr. James Chengelis, a Stadium Drive alumnus who donated funds for a school science lab, was introduced to students Wednesday during an assembly, the cheering and clapping lasted for several minutes.
Chengelis, a consulting psychiatrist at Boston Medical Center and assistant professor of psychiatry at Boston University, said he was happy to donate to his elementary school.
“Hopefully, the lab sparks them to think. It’s the thinking process that’s important in science. If they think and read, they have their whole future in front of them,” he said.
The lab was dedicated Wednesday as the Chengelis Science Investigation (C.S.I.) Lab, and students who already have used the lab read letters of thanks to Chengelis.
Fourth-grader Alyssa Keever thanked Chengelis for the lab and said one of her favorite experiences in it so far was making pancakes to learn about chemical changes.
The lab includes tools, materials, tables, stools and lab coats.
“The lab coat makes me feel like an actual scientist,” said fourth-grader Jakob Peters.
Principal Jim Goske said this is only the latest donation from Chengelis. The Boardman native has donated 14 trees, the small American flags used during the school’s annual 9/11 memorial ceremony and a special reading area in the school library in honor of his parents, Evelyn and Theodore Chengelis.
“He has made a difference through his generous and continued support. ... We are very fortunate that he helps us out,” Goske said.
Chengelis also was recognized by Boardman trustees Monday through a proclamation.
During the assembly, Chengelis thanked students who read their letters and smiled as students sang a song about the importance of reading. He said he liked the paper spaceships used as decorations because when he was a second-grade student, he used to draw them all the time.
“This is the school that built me. I’m very grateful,” Chengelis said.
Chengelis challenged students to give back, help one person each day and “make the world a better place.”