LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Yonkers Charter School of Excel-
lence upon the occasion of hosting its inaugural "Bright Futures" Bene-
fit Luncheon

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those institutions of true purpose and high achievement whose
exemplary programs and accomplishments 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
the Yonkers Charter School of Excellence upon the occasion of hosting
its inaugural "Bright Futures" Benefit Luncheon, to be celebrated on
Friday, May 1, 2009; and
WHEREAS, In 2005, in partnership with Victory Schools, the Charter
School of Educational Excellence (CSEE) was the first charter school to
open its doors to children in the Yonkers City School District; with a
determination to improve the education, personal and future professional
opportunities for young people in the community, local parents embraced
the institution as a preferred alternative, one that provides their
children with an increased attention to academic success, individual
exploration and confidence, as well as an extended school day; and
WHEREAS, CSEE is committed to providing its children with a nurturing,
safe and secure environment where they receive optimum opportunities to
learn, thrive and succeed; it recognizes students' talents and achieve-
ments and it supports them among many challenges; and
WHEREAS, Through modeling respect for self and others, the CSEE's
students will develop an appreciation for differences and will be
inspired to capture a true sense of confidence, pride and self-esteem;
it also emphasizes the development of character in children by guiding
them to make moral and informed decisions; and
WHEREAS, CSEE wants its children to learn and understand at an early
age that making good choices in life will help them maintain positive
attitudes and a healthy lifestyle; giving children every possible oppor-
tunity to maximize their potential and satisfy the natural curiosity
every child has to learn supports our belief that every child can learn;
and
WHEREAS, CSEE is committed to ensuring the success of every student,
and through its actions and consistent efforts its students will come to
understand that its contributions to their education and its high expec-
tations of ethics, self-discipline and academic excellence is the key to
their long term happiness, success and independence; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Board of Regents has recently approved the
renewal of CSEE' s charter for the maximum period of five years; this
special honor is a testament to the quality of the education CSEE
provides their students; and
WHEREAS, The Yonkers Charter School of Excellence has been an integral
part of the history of its community, representing a dynamic, responsive
and positive force within the educational system of New York State; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Yonkers Charter School of Excellence upon the occasion of
hosting its inaugural "Bright Futures" Benefit Luncheon; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Principal Catalina Castillo, Yonkers Charter School of Excel-
lence.