East Meadow Celebrates A Very Special First Day Of School

The Bowling Green Elementary School community in East Meadow celebrated a very special first day of school on Sept. 4, when fourth grader Mahdi Islam was able to return to school for the first time since receiving a heart transplant in the spring.

Mahdi was greeted by students, teachers and administrators as he made an emotional return filled with excitement. He entered the building with a radiant smile as he noticed the crowd waiting for him. Students and staff members lined the hallways as he was led by the school’s mascot to his classroom, where he was eager to rejoin his classmates and friends.

Bowling Green held a similar rally last April to support Mahdi prior to his heart transplant. The school called the event “Super Hero Day.” Everyone who wore a superhero shirt or costume donated at least $1. The raised $4,000 that was donated to help support the Islam family. Mahdi, who was not in school at the time, was able to take part in the celebration through a surprise FaceTime call with his teacher Christine Reiman.

This time, however, Mahdi was able to be there in person to see the encouragement and love shown by the entire school as he walked through the hallways with a smile from ear to ear. “I was really excited to see my best friends and teachers,” he said.

Mahdi’s father, Saidul, was taken aback by the reaction from the students and teachers who have not seen Mahdi since last year. “I cannot thank the East Meadow School District and the Bowling Green School enough for all of the support they have shown our family,” said Saidul. “We are very thankful to the community.”

Mahdi had no hesitation as he seamlessly stepped back into school work and demonstrated his excitement to take on the adventures of fourth grade this school year.