LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the Villa
Maria Academy of the Bronx, New York, March 26, 2011

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend institutions of true purpose and high achievement whose exem-
plary programs and accomplishments clearly demonstrate the pursuit of
excellence in education and service to the community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 125th Anniversary of the Villa Maria Academy of the Bronx, New
York; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated at a Gala Dinner Dance
to be held on Saturday, March 26, 2011; and
WHEREAS, A private Catholic elementary school owned and operated by
the Congregation of Notre Dame of Montreal, Villa Maria Academy is cele-
brating 125 years of providing a liberating education within a nurturing
Catholic community; and
WHEREAS, Villa Maria Academy provides a full rigorous academic program
accredited by the Middle States Association, including music and art
programs, along with an extensive physical education and sports program;
and
WHEREAS, Villa Maria is a school of Christian formation and of quality
academic instruction geared to preparing students for life in today's
Church and society; and
WHEREAS, The educational philosophy of Villa Maria Academy flows from
a deep respect for the uniqueness of each person; while following a
basic course of instruction in all areas of curriculum, it endeavors to
create a climate where both teacher and student enjoy some freedom of
choice in learning environment and activities; this freedom has its
concomitant responsibilities and accountability, consistent with a
community of people, respectful of and responsible for one another; and
WHEREAS, In January of 1886, at the invitation of Father Federic
Tetreault, the Sisters of the Congregation de Notre Dame came from Mont-
real to teach the elementary school children of his parish, St. Jean
Baptiste, at East 79 Street and Lexington Avenue in New York City; a
month later, on February 23, 1886, Villa Maria Academy began its life
when four young women presented themselves to the Sisters at their resi-
dence on Lexington Avenue; and
WHEREAS, Villa Maria Academy continued to expand during the 1920s; in
1927 all the Manhattan properties were sold and the Ellis estate in the
Country Club section of the Bronx was purchased and the Academy moved
there in 1928; and
WHEREAS, In February 1941, the Board of Regents voted to grant an
absolute charter to Villa Maria Academy, Inc.; after deciding to focus
exclusively on a mission as a co-educational elementary school, in 1986,
the Academy celebrated its centennial; and
WHEREAS, The outstanding reputation of Villa Maria Academy as a school
with an unsurpassed challenging academic program has proven to be one of
its greatest assets; as of 2011, the Academy celebrates 125 years of
educational excellence; and
WHEREAS, Spanning three centuries, Villa Maria Academy has continued
to advance the mission, values and traditions of St. Marguerite Bour-
geoys and the Sisters of the Congregation de Notre Dame; in its vision
for the future there will always be challenges and change; its hope is
that like its predecessors, it will continue to live a life rooted in
joyous faith that has made Villa Maria a special house of learning these
many years; and

WHEREAS, Villa Maria Academy of the Bronx, New York, continues to
fulfill its laudatory educational purposes and is proudly aware of its
distinguished past; it is eager to fulfill its commitment to its
students, faculty, alumni and community, and is planning with vision and
purpose for the growth and change it will encounter in the years to
come; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents a unique opportunity for
this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to Villa Maria Acade-
my of the Bronx, New York; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when an educa-
tional institution of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to
our attention, it should be recognized and applauded by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the Villa Maria Academy of the
Bronx, New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Villa Maria Academy, Bronx, New York.