“What you leave behind is not engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” – Pericles
On Saturday, May 6, 2023, Brooklyn Technical High School and the Brooklyn Tech Alumni Foundation hosted a wonderful tribute to my sister, Elizabeth Sciabarra (aka “Ski”). It was attended by a few hundred people and streamed to thousands.
Below is a video montage celebrating Ski’s professional life in pictures. I’m especially delighted by the use of the R&B dance track, “A Night to Remember“, as its musical backdrop. I remind folks that, back on October 17, 2021, when my sister was near death and nonresponsive for 12+ hours, I played this song for her, knowing it was one of her favorites. Within a few moments, I saw her gradually emerging from the darkness as she began to sing along, a tear slowly making its way down the side of her sweet face. I’d later joke that while Lazarus may have had Jesus, Liz had Shalamar. She’d go on to live another 13 months, fighting gallantly, as she always did, against all odds.
My sister’s fight ended on the evening of November 26, 2022. But her impact on the lives of countless others has lived on—and the May 6th tribute provided a fitting glimpse of that impact. (I will provide a link to the streaming video of the ceremony as soon as it becomes available.)
For an audience perspective on the event, check out this compendium of clips from Frank R. Harrison in 9 parts: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, and Part 9.
On behalf of my family, I’d like to extend my deepest appreciation to the many people who planned and coordinated this project. A special shout-out to those who appeared in various capacities, including emcee Marc Williams, Mathew M. Mandery, Jim DiBenedetto, Pamela Taylor Hurst, NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Joe Kaelin, Charles Pomaro, Deirdre DeAngelis D’Alessio, Karen DiTolla, Congresswoman Nicole Maliotakis, Rose De Pinto, Joel Klein, Randy Asher, Ernie Logan, David Newman, Valmira Popinara, Alumni Foundation President Denice Clarke Ware, Alumni Foundation Executive Director Courtney J. Ulrich, Lisa Trollback, and Carol Cunningham, who led a concluding “Legacy Cheer”. And for their wonderful contributions in dance and song, our cheers to the Lady Dragons, the Jazz Band, and the Chorus, which performed the Tech Alma Mater, the lyrics of which were always dear to my sister’s heart.
My love and thanks to everybody who made this unforgettable Celebration of Life possible.
