Rolling Meadows Park District Dedicates Bench to Honor Preschool Teacher

Monday, August 5, 2024

 Those who knew and loved former Rolling Meadows Park District Preschool teacher Gina Pellegrini-Hammond now have a special place to reflect  and remember at Community Center Park.

A bench in Pellegrini-Hammond’s memory was dedicated at the park’s preschool playground on Saturday, July 27. The dedication included a performance from Miss Carole of the children’s band Macaroni Soup, who sang many of the songs Pellegrini-Hammond played in her classroom. Pellegrini-Hammond passed away in August 2023. A plaque on the on the bench includes a quote from Dr. Seuss that reads, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”

 Later this year, a tree in her name will be planted along the path near the playground.

With Pellegrini-Hammond’s friends, family and many of her former students in attendance, parents and fellow preschool staff spoke of her humor, kindness and dedication to early childhood education.

“I was honored with her presence and beaming kindness every day,” said Karrie Miletic, former Rolling Meadows Park District Recreation Supervisor for Early Childhood Programs. “My hope is that family, friends and coworkers can sit on the bench or near the tree and feel Gina’s presence and kindness forever.”

Parents recalled the impact Pellegrini-Hammond had on their children’s lifelong love of learning. Preschool teacher Gina Gaddini laughed when remembering the nickname they shared at Rolling Meadows Park District—Gina squared.

“Two friends with the same name,” Gaddini said. “Gina was more than a good mom and a dedicated preschool teacher—she was the embodiment of joy and generosity. Her infectious laughter and radiant smile could light up the darkest of days. As a mother, she nurtured and loved with a huge heart. As a teacher, she shaped young minds with patience and care, leaving an unforgettable mark on every child she taught.”

Molly Downing, Rolling Meadows Park District’s current Recreation Supervisor for Early Childhood, said the bench will help serve as a reminder of the lessons Pellegrini-Hammond taught everyone about kindness, dedication and resilience.

“I remember the first time I met Gina – her bright smile, contagious laughter, and unwavering commitment to her work,” Downing said. “In the short time that we had together, it was evident that Gina was a truly remarkable person who brought joy and positivity to all those around her.”

 Those who knew and loved former Rolling Meadows Park District Preschool teacher Gina Pellegrini-Hammond now have a special place to reflect and remember at Community Center Park.

A bench in Pellegrini-Hammond’s memory was dedicated at the park’s preschool playground on Saturday, July 27. The dedication included a performance from Miss Carole of the children’s band Macaroni Soup, who sang many of the songs Pellegrini-Hammond played in her classroom. Pellegrini-Hammond passed away in August 2023. A plaque on the on the bench includes a quote from Dr. Seuss that reads, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”

 Later this year, a tree in her name will be planted along the path near the playground.

With Pellegrini-Hammond’s friends, family and many of her former students in attendance, parents and fellow preschool staff spoke of her humor, kindness and dedication to early childhood education.

“I was honored with her presence and beaming kindness every day,” said Karrie Miletic, former Rolling Meadows Park District Recreation Supervisor for Early Childhood Programs. “My hope is that family, friends and coworkers can sit on the bench or near the tree and feel Gina’s presence and kindness forever.”

Parents recalled the impact Pellegrini-Hammond had on their children’s lifelong love of learning. Preschool teacher Gina Gaddini laughed when remembering the nickname they shared at Rolling Meadows Park District—Gina squared.

“Two friends with the same name,” Gaddini said. “Gina was more than a good mom and a dedicated preschool teacher—she was the embodiment of joy and generosity. Her infectious laughter and radiant smile could light up the darkest of days. As a mother, she nurtured and loved with a huge heart. As a teacher, she shaped young minds with patience and care, leaving an unforgettable mark on every child she taught.”

Molly Downing, Rolling Meadows Park District’s current Recreation Supervisor for Early Childhood, said the bench will help serve as a reminder of the lessons Pellegrini-Hammond taught everyone about kindness, dedication and resilience.

“I remember the first time I met Gina – her bright smile, contagious laughter, and unwavering commitment to her work,” Downing said. “In the short time that we had together, it was evident that Gina was a truly remarkable person who brought joy and positivity to all those around her.”