Medina School Board Honors Brigitte Dade with Library Renaming
The Medina City School District has unanimously voted to rename the Helping Hands Preschool Library in honor of Brigitte Dade, a former early childhood intervention specialist. Dade’s legacy is characterized by her dedication to fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for young learners. The decision reflects the deep appreciation held by colleagues and community members who remember her as “passionate, loving, insightful, intuitive, an advocate for all, spunky, determined and small but mighty.”
In October 2023, a committee was formed to explore the possibility of renaming the library following a request from Jenny Kelly-Masloski, a former speech pathologist at Helping Hands Preschool who had worked closely with Dade. Kris Quallich, the Assistant Superintendent, noted that Dade joined the preschool in 1992 and continued to contribute until her retirement in 2011. During the board meeting, Quallich shared insights from Kelly-Masloski’s letter, emphasizing Dade’s significant role in the growth of the program.
“Her dedication and passion were instrumental in growing this program,” Quallich read. “She recognized students’ ability rather than their disability. She made them feel as though anything is possible. It seems natural that some part of Helping Hands Preschool be named in honor of her.”
Recognizing a Lasting Impact
Board member Andrew West, who participated in the committee discussions, expressed admiration for the universal respect Dade commanded among those who knew her. “You could tell she was very invested in our youngest bees,” West remarked. He highlighted the passionate testimonials from various individuals regarding Dade’s commitment to literacy and her love for books.
Quallich reiterated the profound influence Dade had on the lives of many students, stating, “I think she had a huge impact on a lot of people. It was her dream to have a building like Helping Hands.” The renaming of the library serves as a testament to Dade’s enduring legacy, ensuring that her spirit and dedication to early childhood education will continue to inspire future generations.
The board’s decision underscores the importance of recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to educational environments, fostering a culture of appreciation and accountability within the community.
