PS/ MS 183 Gives Thanks

Story and Photos
By Theresa Racine

On Saturday, November 23, the P.S./M.S. 183 Parents Association and Community donors invited the community, teachers, parents and staff to the school on Beach 79th Street to share a day of thanks with a feast.

There were free turkeys and ham that were raffled off, and also a clothing giveaway including hats, gloves and men’s suits. The donors included New York Partnership Center for Innovation and Community Impact, Dr. Coralanne Griffith-Hunte, CEC27 administrator Josie, Rockaway Women For Progress, Marshay Mosley who works for Ocean Bay, and Jacqueline Stillwell of St. John’s Samaritan Hands.  In the kitchen serving were Belinda Davis, Renee Peart, the former principal who served there for 20 plus years, current principal Christal Barnum and kitchen aid Marium. They served turkey with all the trimmings, rasta pasta and much more. Lisa, who helped put this event together, also provided sweets.

The PA board, Mellisa Haynes, also presented Lisa Johnson-Cooper with an “Outstanding Leadership Award” for her 20 years of service to the school and beyond. They also gave her silk flowers and an apron that read “Lisa’s Kitchen,” with a picture of her granddaughter on it. Johnson-Cooper adored this gift as she also has her own catering business called Lisa’s Kitchen, serving up her delicious desserts and “Buttah Cakes and Plates.”

Johnson-Cooper shared that it was a surprise to her, and she felt shocked and a little bit embarrassed but was appreciative at the same time. She said, “If I could have slipped out the front door, I would have.” As humble as Johnson-Cooper is, her community service speaks for itself. She currently holds a vice president position in the Hammel Residence Association and she has aspirations to become president. She has also been a PA president for 20 years, president of The Community Education Council of the district and often volunteers with other parents and community leaders. When the award was presented to her, Haynes referred to Lisa as a wonder woman, a force, a powerhouse and a movement all by herself.  She is credited as the reason for the many miracles that happen year-round for the children at P.S. 183 and Rockaway. Johnson-Cooper has hosted sock drives, coat drives, advocates for the children, is involved with food drives, and other fundraisers. She’s even a Girl Scout troop leader. The list goes on and on. Her passion and her heart for community is impeccable and her work is top notch. Johnson-Cooper simply said, “This is my calling from God.”