LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Yvonne Cooper Knight upon the occasion
of her retirement after 30+ years of distinguished service to the New
York City Department of Education

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and character
whose endeavors have enhanced the quality of education in this great
State; and
WHEREAS, The result of many individual efforts, the excellence and the
success of New York City Schools are due in large part to the efforts of
Yvonne Cooper Knight; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Yvonne Cooper
Knight upon the occasion of her retirement after 30+ years of distin-
guished service to the New York City Department of Education on Tuesday,
May 19, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Yvonne Cooper Knight has continually demonstrated an impres-
sive dedication, an unparalleled devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm
for the quality of the educational programs and opportunities offered in
New York City; and
WHEREAS, Yvonne Cooper Knight is a native of Moncks Corner, South
Carolina; she graduated eighth grade from the R.A. Ready Elementary
School, attended Berkeley Training High School and later graduated from
Berkeley High School where she was one of five to first integrate the
high school in her senior year; and
WHEREAS, Yvonne Cooper Knight earned her Bachelor of Science degree in
Music Education with a minor in Education from North Carolina A&T State
University; she received her Master's in Music Therapy from New York
University, and in addition, she earned a Master's degree in Supervision
and Administration from City College; and
WHEREAS, After college, Yvonne Cooper Knight was presented in concert
at her church in Brooklyn and sang with the Chancel choir and did some
solo work; she also sang with the Opera Ebony in its presentation of the
opera "Faust" and other performances in the New York area; and
WHEREAS, During her 30+ year career, Yvonne Cooper Knight worked with
children from Pre-K to Junior High School; she spent many of those years
as a music teacher, classroom teacher, staff developer, Assistant Prin-
cipal, and Principal of PS 93, the William H. Prescott Elementary
School; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Yvonne Cooper Knight served as a recruiter and
counselor with the Department of Education for prospective teachers;
during her time in this position, she also became a trainer and field
supervisor for new recruiters; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those individuals who work to support our proud tradition of
public education by providing their skills and talents to our schools;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Yvonne Cooper Knight upon the occasion of her retirement, and
for her significant contributions to education in New York State; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Yvonne Cooper Knight.