LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Brother Jim Smith upon the occasion of
his designation for special recognition by The Guild for Exceptional
Children, Inc.

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are enhanced by the concerned and dedicated efforts of individuals that
generously contribute to the welfare of the community and its citizenry;
and
WHEREAS, It is also the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors and
community service are an example and inspiration to their colleagues,
friends, and family; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Brother Jim Smith upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by The Guild for Exceptional Children, Inc.; this auspicious
occasion will be celebrated at The Guild for Exceptional Children, Inc.
and Xaverian High School alumni reunion dinner to be held in his honor
on Thursday, May 20, 2010, at The Bay Ridge Manor, in Brooklyn, New
York; and
WHEREAS, Five decades ago a group of parents in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn,
New York, together with a local special education teacher, joined forces
to solve a common dilemma and founded The Guild for Exceptional Chil-
dren, Inc. to provide more education and recreation opportunities for
disabled children; and
WHEREAS, The mission of The Guild for Exceptional Children, Inc. is to
help each individual reach his or her maximum potential; and to help
families cope with the responsibility of caring for a disabled family
member at home; to achieve its goal, a dedicated, well qualified and
caring staff provide clinical, therapeutic, educational, social, resi-
dential, recreational and support services designed to stimulate the
development of the whole person, fostering self-esteem and pride in
accomplishment; and
WHEREAS, Born on May 7, 1942, Brother Jim Smith is celebrating his
50th anniversary of ministry to God's people; and
WHEREAS, Brother Jim Smith attended grammar school at St. Agatha, PS
102 and Our Lady of Angels; he graduated from St. Michael's Diocesan
High School and received his B.A. from Catholic University in Washing-
ton, D.C.; he also received an M.A. degree from Wesleyan University, and
continued his training and formation while stationed in Maryland for six
years and Louisville, Kentucky, for two years; and
WHEREAS, After his education and training, Brother Jim Smith returned
to his beloved Brooklyn, New York, and has been teaching at Xaverian
High School for 42 years; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Brother Jim Smith has spent 15 years teaching
students with learning disabilities in the Ryken program at Xaverian
High School; he also has spent 19 years as its track coach, 11 summers
volunteering at the Catholic Charities Day Camp for the Disabled, 23
years administering the Ryken Dances for the Disabled, and 40 years as
administrator of the St. Michael's Alumni, as well as 3 summers volun-
teering at the Brooklyn House of Detention; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Brother Jim Smith has
stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and has earned the
respect and admiration of his colleagues, family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Brother Jim Smith has displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire
State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Brother Jim Smith upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by The Guild for Exceptional Children, Inc.; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Brother Jim Smith.