LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 90th Anniversary Celebration of
Brooklyn Technical High School

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those institutions of commitment and high achievement whose
purpose and endeavors prove a dedication to the pursuit of excellence in
the education of the youth of this noble Empire State; 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 90th Anniversary Celebration of Brooklyn Technical High
School, to be celebrated on Thursday, June 7, 2012; and
WHEREAS, This fine event will also recognize the three founders of the
Brooklyn Technical High School Alumni Foundation; they are: Mathew M.
Mandery, Class of 1961; Achilles Perry, Class of 1958; and Michael A.
Weiss, Class of 1957; and
WHEREAS, The Foundation has brought Tech graduates together to enhance
and support excellence at the school that has shaped their lives; its
first grant enabled the teachers to buy curtains for their lunchroom and
one of its most recent grants is creating a sophisticated Computer Inte-
grated Manufacturing lab unlike anything in a New York City public high
school; from simple beginnings to a robust program of curriculum and
facilities enhancement, teacher development and student enrichment
beyond the classroom, the Alumni Foundation is making a difference; and
WHEREAS, Brooklyn Technical High School has been a proven leader in
science, technology, engineering and mathematics-based education; its
administration and faculty, as well as the Alumni Foundation, are
committed to maintaining and enhancing the quality of education being
offered; and
WHEREAS, Brooklyn Technical High School was the dream of Dr. Albert L.
Colston, mathematics department chairman at Manual Training High School;
in the aftermath of World War I, he believed the country needed a better
trained technical work force; on October 18, 1918, he presented a paper
to the Brooklyn Engineers' Club recommending establishment of a techni-
cal high school curriculum for Brooklyn boys; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Colston envisioned a high school with a heavy concen-
tration of courses in math, science, drafting and shops; he particularly
wanted a school with parallel paths leading either to college or to a
technical career in industry; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Colston's concept was approved and implemented beginning
in 1919 at Manual Training High School and, in the spring of 1922, the
Board of Education approved the establishment of Brooklyn Technical High
School (BTHS) which opened in the fall of 1922; Dr. Colston was named
principal and 40 Manual Training teachers joined him in a converted
warehouse at 49 Flatbush Avenue Extension to start the new school; and
WHEREAS, Brooklyn Technical High School is proudly aware of its
distinguished past, eager to fulfill its present commitment to parents,
students and the community, and planning with vision and purpose for the
ebb and swell of growth and change it will encounter in the years to
come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 90th Anniversary Celebration of Brooklyn Technical High
School; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Brooklyn Technical High School, and to the aforementioned
honorees.