Adam J. Lewis grew up poor, in the Bronx. But he seized the educational opportunities he was given — scholarships to Dalton, then Hamilton College — and made a great, successful and fulfilling life for himself.
Then, on September 11, 2001 he was killed at his World Trade Center desk.
In his memory, the people who loved Adam — his wife and many friends — built a superbly fitting tribute.
Adam J. Lewis
Patty Lewis and Westporter Julie Mombello — friends from their days working together at Greens Farms Academy — knew the importance of pre-school education.
In Westport, pre-school — where children explore the world using all their senses, and learn letters, numbers, scientific observation, music, art, language, problem-solving, cooperation, coordination and many other skills — is a given. That’s far less true in Bridgeport, where the cost of preschool can be daunting.
Patty and Julie vowed to do what they could to give little children just a few miles from Westport the same advantages their own kids had.
The Adam J. Lewis Pre-School was born. And — despite daunting obstacles including fundraising, site selection and city bureaucracy — it has thrived since opening in 2013.
From its start — with just 12 children — it has grown steadily. This year there are 70 students, in pre-K3, pre-K4, kindergarten and 1st grade.
Last year the school relocated to a downtown Bridgeport campus. Its new name is the Adam J. Lewis Academy. They’ll add one grade each year. Ultimately they’ll serve 150 students, as a pre-K through grade 5 independent school.
The goal is to provide children from every background with an intellectually, socially and personally transformative educational experience. Students will leave empowered, and ready to make a difference in the world.
Westporters continue to play a key role in the Adam J. Lewis Academy. Lee Bollert is a longtime board member; 2nd Selectman Jen Tooker joined 4 years ago. Mombello remains a driving force.
Saba Pina — an original teacher 7 years ago — is still there. A new 1st grade instructor came from the Greens Farms Academy internship program.
Many other Westporters help too, volunteering their time and donating funds. (Fully 100% of school families receive need-based financial assistance.)
9/11 was one of the darkest days in American history. Out of those ashes though, a wonderful story of hope and dreams continues to rise.
(For more information on the Adam J. Lewis Academy — and to help — click here.)
An early class of very happy Adam J. Lewis preschoolers.
This is beautiful. Thank you for spotlighting this special place.
A beacon of light.
The Adam J. Lewis School is a really special place. I had the opportunity to visit last spring. The children are so incredibly loving and the staff is absolutely amazing. If you have a chance, volunteer here!
Congratulations on the start of a new school year to a very special school, run by dedicated and giving educators in honor of Adam J. Lewis. The AJL Academy truly is a testament of hope, possibility and the fulfillment of dreams.