LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Deidra Graulich upon the occasion of
receiving the Elementary School Principal of the Year Award from the
Association of Orthodox Jewish Teachers on March 15, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals who have distinguished themselves
through their exemplary careers, accomplishments, and purposeful lives
of service to their community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Deidra Graulich upon the occasion of receiving the Elementary School
Principal of the Year Award from the Association of Orthodox Jewish
Teachers at its 39th Annual Luncheon, to be held on Sunday, March 15,
2009, at The Renaissance, Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, Deidra Graulich is being recognized for her extraordinary
leadership skills and her unwavering dedication to the staff and
students of P.S. 63; and
WHEREAS, Deidra Graulich's desire to work with children was sparked by
her mother and aunt who were both teachers; she was so inspired that as
a young child growing up in Seagate, New York, she gathered the neigh-
borhood children and started her very own summer camp; and
WHEREAS, Upon graduating from the NYU School of Education, Deidra
Graulich devoted herself to her family and community; and
WHEREAS, Deidra Graulich was called upon to contribute her time and
talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and always gave of
herself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, As a stay at home mom, Deidra Graulich became the consummate
volunteer, becoming the president of Cedarhurst-Woodmere ORT, a soccer
coach, a Little League coach, a Brownie and Cub Scout leader, as well as
a PTA volunteer; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Deidra Graulich has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, As her children grew, Deidra Graulich secured a substitute
teaching license and was offered a six week full-time job for a special
ed class; she spent the next ten years working with special needs
students, returning to school for a Master's degree in Reading and
Special Education, continuing her studies and ultimately obtaining a
degree in Administration; and
WHEREAS, A woman of singular distinction, Deidra Graulich continued to
climb the ladder of success as a Teacher Leader, Assistant Principal,
and finally Principal of P.S. 63 in the Ozone Park area of Queens; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Karl, and their
children, Lance, Dean, and Heather, all of whom feel privileged to be a
part of her life and rejoice in her achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, intellect and commitment as that demonstrated by Deidra
Graulich over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned recognition and applause; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Deidra Graulich upon the occasion of receiving the Elementary
School Principal of the Year Award from the Association of Orthodox
Jewish Teachers; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Deidra Graulich.