LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Deidra Graulich upon the occasion of her
designation by the Association of Orthodox Jewish Teachers as the recip-
ient of its Elementary School Principal of the Year Award on March 15,
2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those illustrious individuals of distinguished purpose whose
lives have been committed to the pursuit of excellence in the education
of the youth of the Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
commend Deidra Graulich upon the occasion of her designation by the
Association of Orthodox Jewish Teachers of the New York City Public
Schools as the recipient of its Elementary School Principal of the Year
Award; and
WHEREAS, Deidra Graulich, Principal of P.S. 63Q, will be honored at
the organization's 39th Annual Luncheon, to be held at The Renaissance
in Brooklyn, New York, on Sunday, March 15, 2009, in recognition of her
extraordinary leadership skills and her unwavering dedication to the
staff and students of P.S. 63; and
WHEREAS, Deidra Graulich's desire to work with children was sparked at
an early age by her mother and aunt who were both teachers; she was so
motivated that as a young child growing up in Seagate, New York, she
gathered up the neighborhood children and started her very own summer
camp; and
WHEREAS, Upon graduating from New York University's School of Educa-
tion, Deidra Graulich married and devoted herself to her family and
community; she was called upon to contribute her time and talents to
countless civic and charitable endeavors and always gave of herself
unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, As a stay-at-home mom, Deidra Graulich became the consummate
volunteer, serving as President of the Cedarhurst-Woodmere ORT and as a
soccer coach, Little League coach, Brownie and Cub Scout leader, and PTA
volunteer; and
WHEREAS, As her children grew, Deidra Graulich secured a substitute
teaching license, was immediately offered a six week full-time job
teaching a special education class and spent the next ten years working
with special needs students; while doing so, she returned to school to
earn a master's degree in reading and special education and an advanced
degree in administration; and
WHEREAS, An outstanding teacher, leader, and administrator, Deidra
Graulich continued to rise through the ranks serving as a Teacher Lead-
er, Assistant Principal, and ultimately as Principal of Public School 63
in the Ozone Park area of Queens, where she continues to be a strong
advocate for students, deeply committed to ensuring they have the oppor-
tunity to receive a quality education; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Karl, and their
children, Lance, Dean, and Heather, all of whom are proud to be part of
her life and rejoice in her many achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such accomplishment are brought to our attention it is appropri-
ate to publicly proclaim and commend them for the edification and
emulation of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Deidra Graulich upon the occasion of her designation as the recip-
ient of the Association of Orthodox Jewish Teachers' Elementary School
Principal of the Year Award on March 15, 2009; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Deidra Graulich.