Bay Ridge celebrates grand opening of PS 413 Joanne Seminara School of Law & Medicine
The school, located in District 20, is named after Joanne Seminara, a lifelong Brooklyn resident, lawyer, teacher and community activist who spent years championing education and public service.
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Bay Ridge welcomed a new chapter in education Monday with the ribbon cutting of P.S. 413 – The Joanne Seminara School of Law and Medicine.
The school, located in District 20, is named after Joanne Seminara, a lifelong Brooklyn resident, lawyer, teacher and community activist who spent years championing education and public service. The opening ceremony drew local leaders, families, students and representatives from NYC Public Schools and the School Construction Authority.
“Naming the school after her is keeping her legacy alive. Teaching our children to advocate and to fight for what is right,” said Principal Saher Said during the event.
Seminara’s husband, Pierre Lehu, reflected on her work as a parent and advocate—helping improve local schools, securing resources and pushing for reform.
“She was a mother and a wife and a lawyer and then a teacher and a community activist,” he said.
P.S. 413 launched with 25 kindergarteners and plans to expand year by year—adding a grade level each fall. The school is centered on a law and medicine curriculum to help young students develop critical thinking, leadership and care for others.
“He's flourishing here,” said parent Anne Smanik, whose 6-year-old son is in the inaugural class. “He’s such an excellent reader now…and it’s due to the excellent staff.”
Local officials including Councilman Justin Brannan and state Sen. Andrew Gounardes attended the event, calling the school a symbol of progress and purpose for the Bay Ridge community.
