LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Walnut Street School in Uniondale,
New York, upon the occasion of being named the winner of the 2009 New
York State Schools of Character Award by the Character Education Part-
nership

WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled; its
history and stature are secured by the superlative caliber of its educa-
tional professionals and the students they inspire; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those institutions of true purpose and high achievement whose
exemplary programs and accomplishments clearly demonstrate an enduring
pursuit of excellence in the education of the youth of the Empire State;
and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Walnut Street School in Uniondale, New York, upon the occasion of
being named the winner of the 2009 New York State Schools of Character
Award by the Character Education Partnership; and
WHEREAS, The Walnut Street School was also one of 27 schools nation-
wide to be named a Finalist in the National Schools of Character Award,
after competing against 185 schools across the country; and
WHEREAS, Each year since 1998, the National Schools of Character
awards program has recognized K-12 schools and districts that provide
exemplary comprehensive character education programs that consistently
yield positive results in student behavior, citizenship, school climate,
and academic performance; and
WHEREAS, The Character Education Program selects the National Final-
ists on the strength of their written applications, which demonstrate
their outstanding work in encouraging the ethical, social, and academic
growth of their students through effective character education; its
Eleven Principles of Effective Character Education, which defines excel-
lence in character education, guides the evaluation and selection of
finalists and winners; and
WHEREAS, The Walnut Street School has continually demonstrated an
impressive dedication, an unparalleled devotion and an unremitting
enthusiasm for the quality of educational programs and opportunities
offered for the benefit of its faculty and students as well as for the
entire community; and
WHEREAS, The steadfast and unyielding commitment of parents, educators
and administrators to provide the highest quality education for students
has become the hallmark and tradition of the Walnut Street School; and
WHEREAS, Within the 21st Century, the Walnut Street School stands
prepared to reach out, in earnest and enthusiastic quest of its mission,
to promote the maximum growth of every student, establishing standards
and building skills which will carry its students and the citizens of
its community into the future; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Walnut Street School in Uniondale, New York, upon the occa-
sion of being named the winner of the 2009 New York State Schools of
Character Award by the Character Education Partnership, noting the
significance of its accomplishment and recognizing the role such effec-
tive schools play in shaping the quality of life in their community,
State and Nation; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Walnut Street School in Uniondale, New York.