Students of the Margate schools enjoy some spaghetti.
MARGATE – Moms and dads got a break Thursday, Nov. 21 from the usual “What’s for dinner?” chants coming from the peanut gallery. The Eugene A. Tighe Middle School held its 28th annual Spaghetti Dinner in the cafeteria, which was packed with families enjoying food and friendship.
The delicious smell of homemeade goodness emanated from the cafeteria and through the entrance to the building welcoming families to the festive event. In addition to homemade spaghetti and meatballs cooked up by former Superintendent Dominick A. Potena, attendees enjoyed salad, roasted vegetables, cupcakes and other sweet delights.
Former Margate schools Superintendent Dominick A. Potena and his family.
Although Potena retired in 2010, he has come back every year to continue his tradition of cooking up his special spaghetti sauce and meatballs. However, his tradition of cooking for students and their families goes back even further.
“I used to teach the second graders how to make spaghetti sauce in the Union Avenue School lunch room,” said Potena, who was superintendent of the Margate schools for 27 years.
The dinner is sponsored by the Margate Education Foundation each year to raise money for the school’s eighth grade graduation dance held in spring. In addition to serving a great meal, the MEF held a ticket raffle for gift baskets and wines donated by parents.
The event attracted children, parents, grandparents and seniors of the community. Several public officials also attended the dinner with their families.
