LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Carrie Edythe Thompson for receiving the
Woman of Excellence Award from the Willa Davis Women's Club

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Carrie Edythe Thompson for receiving the Woman of Excellence Award from
the Willa Davis Women's Club on Saturday, May 15, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Carrie Edythe Thompson's devotion to teaching and the educa-
tion system is truly unparalleled; born in Pinehurst, North Carolina,
she was surrounded by a nurturing family, congenial neighbors and
friends who would guide her path and leave an indelible impression on
her for a lifetime; and
WHEREAS, After graduating from the Taylortown Academy Heights High
School, Carrie Edythe Thompson graduated from Livingstone College in
1955 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education, continuing
her studies in the area of Special Education at New York University; she
began her long and decorated career as a first grade teacher at J.H.
Sampson Elementary School in Kingston, North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, It was at this time Carrie Edythe Thompson met fellow educa-
tor and future husband, the late William H. Thompson; while raising five
children, she would continue educating the youth for the next 36 years
which includes tenure at P.S. No. 4, No. 6, No. 32, Longfellow Junior
High, Martin L. King and P.S. No. 25 in the Yonkers school system until
her retirement in 1990; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, Carrie Edythe Thompson's unwavering commit-
ment to excellence in this field, garnered numerous accolades beginning
in 1978 for Appreciation in Recognition of dedicated service as a Black
educator from the community of Yonkers, to Woman of the Year for Service
and Devoted Effort in Bringing Honor to Bronx-Westchester Chapter from
the Livingstone College Alumni Association to the Presidential Citation
of Distinguished Alumni of a Historically & Predominately Black College
from NAFEO (National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Educa-
tion) in 1994; these are but a few of many awards Carrie Edythe Thompson
has received over her illustrious career; and
WHEREAS, Carrie Edythe Thompson's awards are only matched by the
distinguished associations to which she is a member, including the Alpha
Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., National Alumni Association at Livingstone
College, NAACP, New York State Retired Teachers Association, and The Red
Hat Society, to name a few; she is an active member of St. Catherine's
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in New Rochelle, where she
serves as a Class Leader, first Woman appointed to the Steward Board,
member of the Lay Council, former superintendent of the Buds of Promise,
member of the Coalition for Mutual Respect, member of the Life Member's
Council and the Women's Home and Overseas Missionary Society; and
WHEREAS, As an avid lover of the arts, Carrie Edythe Thompson is not
only an active member of the New Rochelle Council of the Arts, but she
is an accomplished artist in her own right; she formed a company,
"Carrie's Crafty Creations" whose arts and crafts have been featured and
sold at various art expositions including appearances at the Jacob
Javits Center in New York City; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her children, G. Marie, Ramona,
Byl, John and James, along with her grandchildren, Sir-Justin, Alyssa,
John and William, as well as her great-granddaughter, Ania, all of whom

feel privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her achieve-
ments; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the life in their community and have shown a long and sustained
commitment to excellence certainly have earned recognition and applause;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Carrie Edythe Thompson for receiving the Woman of Excellence Award
from the Willa Davis Women's Club; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Carrie Edythe Thompson.