LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Archie McNelis upon the occasion of his
retirement after 31 years of distinguished service to Edison High School
on January 29, 2010

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 practice of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
the significant milestones in the distinguished careers of outstanding
educational leaders whose dedication and achievements have been instru-
mental in developing character and academic excellence in the young
people of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Archie McNelis upon the occasion of his retirement after 31 years of
distinguished service to Edison High School on January 29, 2010; and
WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, Archie McNelis has continually
demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence and diligent
leadership in his unwavering service to Edison High School and its
students; and
WHEREAS, Archie McNelis began his esteemed career with Edison High
School in 1979; throughout his tenure, he has served as the school's
guidance counselor, dean of students, athletic director, and baseball
coach; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Archie McNelis was honored to be the Edison High
School Varsity Football Coach for the past 23 seasons; he is only the
third head varsity football coach in Edison history, following in the
footsteps of Al Northrop (1931 to 1966) and Chuck Brady (1967 to 1986);
and
WHEREAS, Among his career highlights were postseason appearances in
1990 and 2005; also, for the last several years he has organized the
selection of the Ernie Davis Award, which goes to Chemung County's top
high school player; and
WHEREAS, An inspirational leader, Archie McNelis used his position as
football coach to teach kids about life values, not just the sport
itself; he instilled in his students the importance of being on time,
and about being a good pupil and teammate; and
WHEREAS, He is remembered fondly by many of his past students for his
famous advice offered to his athletes at the end of every practice,
every preseason, every meeting, "Stay away from the bad guys; hang out
with the good guys"; and
WHEREAS, In addition to football, Archie McNelis was varsity baseball
coach at Edison from 1985 to 1999, and guided the Spartans to 12 Inter-
scholastic Athletic Conference division championships and the Section 4
Class D title in 1994; the 1994 team reached the state semifinals behind
the right arm of pitcher Matt Burch, who went on to star at Virginia
Commonwealth and became a first-round draft pick of the Kansas City
Royals; and
WHEREAS, Archie McNelis is a 1970 graduate of Hornell High School; he
earned his Bachelor's degree in political science and history from the
University of Rochester in 1974; he then went on to obtain his Master's
in education counseling from Alfred University in 1976; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Mary, and their four
children, Andy, Katie, Kevin and Meghan, all of whom feel privileged to
be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Educators like Archie McNelis provide a tremendous service to
the future of our state and nation, inspiring generations of young

people in their educational journeys and ensuring their success in their
future years; and
WHEREAS, Archie McNelis has clearly had an enduring impact on the
youth of the Edison High School, as well as on the community-at-large,
and accordingly merits recognition and applause for his impressive dedi-
cation to others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those individuals who work to support our proud tradition of
public education by providing their skills and talents to our schools;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Archie McNelis upon the occasion of his retirement after 31 years
of distinguished service to Edison High School and to wish him continued
success in all of his future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Archie McNelis.