LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Kenneth Hartill upon the occasion of
his retirement as Principal of West Islip High School, after 42 years of
distinguished service in education

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 commend
Kenneth Hartill upon the occasion of his retirement as Principal of West
Islip High School, after 42 years of distinguished service in education;
he will be honored on June 29, 2009, at Villa Lombardi's in Holbrook,
New York; and
WHEREAS, A Social Studies teacher for 15 years and an Assistant Prin-
cipal for 10 years, Kenneth Hartill served in the Sewanhaka Central High
School District for 25 years before becoming the Principal of West Islip
High School in 1992; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure at West Islip High School, Kenneth Hartill
has been a major participant in the Secondary Curriculum Council, was
responsible for the increase in Advanced Placement offerings, supervised
two significant bond projects and played a key role in the adoption and
implementation of Infinite Campus, the student data management system;
and
WHEREAS, In addition to serving as Principal of West Islip High School
for the past 17 years, Kenneth Hartill has served on the Section XI
Eligibility Committee and the site-based team, PTSA, and is a past Pres-
ident and Treasurer of the West Islip Association of Supervisors and
Administrators; and
WHEREAS, An educator whose primary credo is child advocacy, Kenneth
Hartill introduced students to the joy of altruism and service in his
first teaching assignment at H. Frank Carey High School in Franklin
Square, raising money for the March of Dimes Walk America; and
WHEREAS, Since that time, Kenneth Hartill has hosted two Suffolk Coun-
ty Special Olympics, co-chaired the Lionheart Fund, instituted a diploma
endorsement program for students who perform community service with over
300 organizations, recruited student volunteers for the Health and Well-
ness 5K Fun-Run, spearheaded the 50 Years' "All Years' Reunion,"
co-founded the West Islip Alumni Association and served as co-chairper-
son of the Hall of Fame Committee; and
WHEREAS, A leader in his field, Kenneth Hartill is the published
author of "Community Relations -- The Shift from Me to We," in the JOUR-
NAL OF THE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK STATE and
"Service with a Smile, Leadership for Student Activities," in the JOUR-
NAL OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS; and
WHEREAS, Kenneth Hartill has been recognized for his community work on
numerous occasions; he has been the recipient of the Jenkins Memorial
Award for Outstanding Service to School and Community and a SAANYS Award
for Best School Media Coverage and Best Community Service Program; and
WHEREAS, Additional honors that Kenneth Hartill has received, include:
Carey High School Yearbook recognition; High School Yearbook dedication
in 1976 and 1988; Honor Society Academic Teacher of the Year; the liter-
ary magazine, POSEIDON dedication; Carey Student Loan Fund Award; Phoebe

Apperson Hearts Outstanding Educator Award; New York State PTA Distin-
guished Service Award; and the March of Dimes Golden Apple Award for
Educational Leadership and Community Service; and
WHEREAS, With Kenneth Hartill throughout have been his wife of 35
years, Diane, and their son, Matthew, both of whom feel privileged to be
a part of his life and rejoice in his many achievements; and
WHEREAS, Educators like Kenneth Hartill 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, Kenneth Hartill has clearly had an enduring impact on the
youth at West Islip High School, as well as on the community-at-large,
and accordingly merits recognition and applause for his impressive dedi-
cation to others; 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 Kenneth Hartill upon the occasion of his retirement as Principal
of West Islip High School and to wish him continued success in all of
his future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Kenneth Hartill.