LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Girls High School Alumnae Associ-
ation upon the occasion of hosting its Annual Scholarship Luncheon on
Saturday, April 25, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those
illustrious organizations within the State of New York whose focus and
intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in their
communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Girls High School Alumnae Association upon the occasion of hosting
its Annual Scholarship Luncheon on Saturday, April 25, 2009; and
WHEREAS, In 1967, the existence of the Girls High School as an insti-
tution came to a close; however, the training and education given to
thousands of young women who passed through its portals have shaped
their lives forever; the closure of this institution did not suppress
the spirit of a Girls High School Experience; and
WHEREAS, The interest to maintain friendships and to give back to the
community was very strong and as a result, a group of 10 graduates began
meeting at the home of Gwen Clark-Reed who became the first President of
the Girls High School Alumnae Association; it was at this time that it
established its first scholarship program; and
WHEREAS, The second President of the Association was Eltima Osborne
Maharaj; it was during her tenure that the Treasurer Elsie Barrow-Pitts
passed away; in 1989, the organization incorporated as the Girls High
School Alumnae Association, the Elsie Barrow-Pitts Scholarship Fund,
paying an everlasting tribute to this most distinguished woman; and
WHEREAS, For 11 years, Ms. Maharaj successfully guided the Association
continuing the mission of providing scholarships; today, the Association
is under the luminous leadership of Wilma E. Maynard; and
WHEREAS, For many years the success of the Girls High School Alumnae
Association has been in direct correlation to the efforts of its
members, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an
impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising
standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of its community; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Girls High School Alumnae Association upon the occasion of
hosting its Annual Scholarship Luncheon on Saturday, April 25, 2009; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Wilma E. Maynard, President of the Girls High School Alumnae
Association.