LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring John Cook upon the occasion of his
retirement after 26 years of distinguished service as principal of
Center Street Elementary School

WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled; its
history and stature are secured by the superlative caliber of its educa-
tional professionals and the students they inspire; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of those outstanding
educational leaders, whose dedication and achievements have been instru-
mental in developing character and academic excellence in the young
people of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor John
Cook upon the occasion of his retirement after 26 years of distinguished
service as principal of Center Street Elementary School; and
WHEREAS, Center Street Elementary School will celebrate its 113th
Anniversary as well as the 50th Anniversary of the 1960 building on May
18, 2010; a school-wide party, led by the 4th grade class and open to
the public, will be held in the auditorium; in addition, a special trib-
ute will be given to Principal John Cook in honor of his distinguished
career; and
WHEREAS, For more than two decades, John Cook has diligently served
tens of thousands of students, parents, teachers, staff and community
members; but mere years of service do not begin to measure his extraor-
dinary contributions to Center Street Elementary School; and
WHEREAS, Located in Oneonta, New York, Center Street Elementary School
has been serving the community as a neighborhood school since 1897;
during this time, the school has been ably led by 12 different building
principals, three of whom served long tenures of 20 years each; however,
none have served as long as John Cook, who is scheduled to officially
retire in August 2010; and
WHEREAS, John Cook began his tenure at Center Street Elementary School
in January of 1983; during his esteemed tenure, he has helped to oversee
both the 90th and 100th anniversary celebrations of the school, various
renovations and capital building projects, the fundraising for and
building of several new school playgrounds, and the integration of
computer technology into classrooms; his wealth of experience and range
of abilities has helped him to successfully guide the school throughout
his 26 years of service; and
WHEREAS, Prior to joining Center Street Elementary School, John Cook
was a professor of health at the State University College at Oneonta;
and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Schenectady, New York, John Cook enjoys
reading, spending time with his large family during summers at Arnold
Lake in Otsego County, New York, and refereeing local soccer and basket-
ball games; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Nancy, his four chil-
dren, Tim, John, Julie and Kaitlin, as well as his five grandchildren,
all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his
achievements; and
WHEREAS, John Cook's retirement will truly be the end of an era for
Center Street Elementary School; through his many years of leadership
and guidance, the school community has developed a sense of extreme
pride at being Oneonta's longest serving public school and an anchor for
both the neighborhood and community; and

WHEREAS, Over the past 26 years, Center Street Elementary School has
become a reflection of John Cook's warm and welcoming manner, as well as
his enthusiasm and positive energy; brothers, sisters, parents and
grandparents, will long remember the guidance provided to them during
their time at the school, as will those colleagues who have been
inspired by him through the years; and
WHEREAS, Educators like John Cook provide a tremendous service to the
future of our State and Nation, inspiring generations of young people in
their educational journeys and ensuring their success in their future
years; and
WHEREAS, John Cook has clearly had an enduring impact on the youth of
Center Street Elementary, as well as on the community-at-large, and
accordingly merits recognition and applause for his impressive dedi-
cation to others; and
WHEREAS, In completing his service as principal, he leaves behind more
than mere bricks and mortar; John Cook leaves behind a legacy to the
residents of the community and to future generations of its students;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor John Cook upon the occasion of his retirement after 26 years of
distinguished service as principal of Center Street Elementary School;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to John Cook.