Sharing Cultures Through Food

Luis Gomez, NA Spanish Teacher, 1992-2018

Jerome Greco ’04

From 1992 to 2018, Newark Academy students often delighted in the tastes of Spanish teacher Señor Luis Gomez’s signature flan and empanadas. A cherished hobby, Luis’s traditional cooking was so beloved throughout the school that families could even bid on winning a home-cooked meal from him during one of the Newark Academy Parents Association (NAPA) galas. One of the lucky winners were the Greco family, who were, of course, excited to indulge in the traditional Puerto Rican feast cooked by Luis, but could never have imagined the incredible bonds that were ultimately sparked that night.

Luis bonded with the entire Greco family, but he formed a special closeness with Jerome Greco ’04, who also loves to cook. Luis and Jerome’s relationship flourished from that eventful meal, and some of their fondest memories together have centered around cooking and conversations at the table. “As an Italian, cooking is in my blood, and I think that was what really overlapped and allowed us to connect,” says Jerome. “We take cooking seriously, but it’s meant

As an Italian, cooking is in my blood, and I think that was what really overlapped and allowed us to connect. We take cooking seriously, but it’s meant to be enjoyable. It’s important to sit down with family and have a meal together.” to be enjoyable. It’s important to sit down with family and have a meal together.”

From that night on, Jerome became the “son I never had,” Luis says. “It’s like I am part of the [the Greco family]. They had an acceptance for me and my partner, and just the way they welcomed us as a family in their house was incredible.”

During their time together at NA, the pair deepened their relationship — and Luis became close with Jerome’s sister, Danielle Greco Panas ’02, who soon became the daughter he never had — with the three of them journeying together on various trips chaperoned by Luis including to Costa Rica, Mexico and Cuba.

Jerome, who went on to earn a law degree, credits these trips for exposing him to many different cultures and a variety of perspectives which has been invaluable throughout his career as an attorney.

Luis has continued to play an important role in Jerome and Danielle’s lives as a mentor and friend. Together, they have shared many happy moments and milestones — birthdays, baptisms, confirmations and weddings — and they have been by each other’s side during more difficult times as well. During the summers, they always look forward to their meet-ups at different restaurants overlooking the water.

Cheers to Many More Years

Elaine Brodie, NA Arts Teacher

Dr. Elizabeth Strand ’88

On days when Dr. Elizabeth Strand’s ’88 father — the late Dr. Allan Strand, former Newark Academy Headmaster from 1979 to 1997 — was working late, Elizabeth used to hop into art teacher Elaine Brodie’s 1968 blue Dodge Dart, affectionately named “Object Art,” for a ride home.

“It’s hard to sum up 20-plus years,” Jerome says about the relationship. “We became really close, and I look to him as someone I can trust. He has always been there for me and my family. That is a quality I don’t think he could give up if he wanted to. It’s in his nature to be there for people.”

During these rides, with the windows down and the music on, Elaine’s car became a safe space where Elizabeth found someone to confide in and look up to during her formative high school years. “I felt loved and cared for,” Elizabeth says during a Zoom interview with LUMEN. “It was a really important relationship during my teenage years. Our relationship was a gift, and Elaine helped guide me through everything — friendships, boyfriends, school, work.”

“Newark Academy is such a special place,” Elizabeth continues. “The student-to-teacher ratio and NA’s investment in its teachers made it very easy for us students to rely on them. To get to know them. To feel known and seen.”

This led Elizabeth to become somewhat of a “Velcro child,” always hanging around Elaine’s desk. “And I loved it!” adds Elaine, who was also on the Zoom call. “Elizabeth has an aura about her, a warmth and connection that you can’t deny when you are around her.”

Upon graduation from NA, Elaine and Elizabeth’s connection quickly moved beyond teacher and student to more of a sisterly relationship. Elaine, who has two older sisters, says Elizabeth became the younger sister she never had and their bond continued to grow over their shared knack for creativity. “[Elizabeth] would make amazing costumes for my oldest son, Matthew ’06, who had a huge imagination. He loved to pretend to be Zorro, so Elizabeth sewed a fabulous silk cape for him. It was his prized possession!” In turn, Elaine crafted an entire dish set on her pottery wheel as a wedding gift to Elizabeth. It was a labor of love,” recalls Elaine.

Although there are roughly 700 miles between the two now — Elizabeth lives in Knoxville, Tennessee working as the Founding Director of Veterinary Social Work at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine — their friendship has actually deepened in recent years through a new shared interest in spirituality and meditation. In fact, Elaine now looks to Elizabeth for guidance in these areas, which have been central to Elizabeth’s life for years. “Elizabeth has these pearls of wisdom,” says Elaine. “She just knows my life so well and has brought me clarity and love.”

As they said their goodbyes during the Zoom interview which was full of reflection over their beloved friendship, they held up pretend glasses and said “Cheers to many more years” together.