LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Holy Name of Jesus School upon the
occasion of celebrating its 125th Anniversary on January 31, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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
Holy Name of Jesus School upon the occasion of its 125th Anniversary to
be celebrated on Sunday, January 31, 2010; and
WHEREAS, In March of 1878, Father Thomas D. O'Reilly was charged by
Bishop Loughlin to establish Holy Name of Jesus Parish; seven years
later, on June 24, 1885, the elementary school opened; and
WHEREAS, The young school thrived under the direction and guidance of
the Sisters of St. Joseph - Brentwood; in September 1923, a dream was
fulfilled and a new larger school was opened; in 1924, the Xaverian
Brothers joined the Sisters in educating the youth of the community;
under the direction and guidance of these religious men and women the
school flourished for generations; and
WHEREAS, The 1970s were a time of change in both the church and socie-
ty; the Xaverian Brothers left the school, while the Sisters continued
to reach out to and instruct the children of the parish; as members of
the religious communities decreased, lay people began to fill their
roles; a competent and dedicated lay staff has long since replaced the
Sister and Brothers; in 1994, the school also welcomed its first lay
principal; in 2008, Holy Name of Jesus School welcomed back its own
graduates as Principal and Assistant Principal; and
WHEREAS, In the last 20 years there has been dramatic changes in soci-
ety and the local community; the number of children attending Catholic
Elementary School has declined over the years, and the demographics of
Brooklyn have likewise changed; however, the school community has
embraced and adapted to these changes in our neighborhood and city; and
WHEREAS, Today, the parents, educators, administrators and benefactors
of Holy Name of Jesus School remain committed to the mission and
students of this fine educational institution; and
WHEREAS, As Holy Name of Jesus School moves forward into the next 125
years, it will continue to teach the ministry of Jesus and the Holy
Roman Catholic Church, teaching with Love, Caring, Encouragement and
Respect so that its students may reach their highest potential; and
WHEREAS, Holy Name of Jesus School will also continue to prepare its
students academically to be well rounded citizens of this great city,
State and nation, as well as help them realize the importance of accept-
ing their social responsibility to help others; and
WHEREAS, Throughout its distinguished history, Holy Name of Jesus
School has continually demonstrated an impressive dedication, an unpar-
alleled devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm for the quality of educa-
tional programs and opportunities offered for the benefit of its
students as well as for the entire community; and
WHEREAS, The 125th Anniversary celebration of Holy Name of Jesus
School stands as a resolute testimony to the School's standards of
excellence, its uncompromising values, unparalleled dedication, and the
special teamwork of its family of students, parents, teachers and admin-
istrators, who share common goals and uncommon expectations; now, there-
fore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Holy Name of Jesus School upon the occasion of celebrating its
125th Anniversary on January 31, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Holy Name of Jesus School.