LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Francis Lewis High School upon the
occasion of celebrating its 50th Anniversary on May 15, 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 accomplishment 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
Francis Lewis High School upon the occasion of celebrating its 50th
Anniversary; and
WHEREAS, The Francis Lewis High School community will celebrate this
most auspicious occasion on Saturday, May 15, 2010; the day's activities
will include a BBQ, Carnival, Battle of the Bands, Marching Band,
Orchestra, Drama, Dance and DJ; and
WHEREAS, Completed in 1960, Francis Lewis High School is a fully
accredited New York City public high school, grades 9-12, serving the
northeast and north central communities in the borough of Queens, New
York; in September 1960, with the coming of 1500 apprehensive students
and 70 faculty members, the building was ready to serve the educational
needs of the growing community; the following Fall there were 3100
students, and when the school reopened in September 1962 the register
had climbed to 4900; and
WHEREAS, Francis Lewis High School has been consistently ranked among
the top ten high schools city-wide; currently Francis Lewis is the larg-
est non-specialized school and one of the most populated; it is the most
sought out high school in Queens with an enrollment of 4500 students
which includes 12% ELL (English Language Learners) and 10% Special
Education; attendance is at a remarkable 92 percent, and its drop out
rate is less than five percent; and
WHEREAS, Francis Lewis High School is one of the most culturally
diverse schools in the city with 66 different spoken languages and over
90 nationalities represented; in a school of such diversity, the
students must be admired as they set a remarkable standard of cooper-
ation and brotherhood; and
WHEREAS, Francis Lewis High School offers over 50 different clubs and
teams; all students participate in its annual Pep-Rally, Olympic Sports
Challenge, and International Festivals; the annual school play is
represented by members from 15 different countries working together for
a spectacular performance; and
WHEREAS, Today, under the esteemed guidance of Principal, Musa Ali
Shama, the faculty and administration join together to provide all
students with a safe and challenging environment in which pupils can
realize their full academic potential; scholastic growth takes place in
conjunction with an extensive program of extracurricular activities that
promotes every youngster's social, emotional and physical well-being;
and
WHEREAS, Francis Lewis High School provides an exemplary college
preparatory curriculum with a wide selection of Advanced Placement and
Honors courses, Jacob Javits Law Academy, University Scholars Academy,
The Math and Science Research Academy, Dance and Theater Academy, and
Technology Program; several departments offer full college credit cours-
es in collaboration with neighboring colleges and universities; and
WHEREAS, Francis Lewis High School is the home of the largest JROTC
program on the East Coast; with 584 active cadets, the JROTC program is
proud to hold the honor of the most distinguished program in the coun-

try; in the past 24 months it has won five national championships; the
graduation rate of JROTC students who remain in the program for four
years is 99.5%; the Francis Lewis High School community is very proud to
have the largest number of active students attending West Point from any
single high school in the country; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the Francis Lewis High School community is the
recipient of many wonderful achievements and awards in numerous subjects
including science, mathematics, English, social studies, JROTC, as well
as PSAL Sports; and
WHEREAS, The 50th Anniversary of Francis Lewis High School stands as a
resolute testimony to the School's standards of excellence, its uncom-
promising values, unparalleled dedication, and the special teamwork of
its family of students, parents, teachers and administrators, who share
common goals and uncommon expectations; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Francis Lewis High School upon the occasion of celebrating its
50th Anniversary, noting the significance of its accomplishment and
recognizing the role such effective 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 Francis Lewis High School.