LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Tom Shriver upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the 2011 Educator of the Year Award by
the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce

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 the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Tom Shriver upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the 2011 Educator of the Year Award by the West Seneca Chamber of
Commerce; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious event will be celebrated at the 64th Annual
West Seneca Chamber of Commerce Community Awards Dinner held at
Kotecki's Grandview Grove, West Seneca, New York, on Thursday, March 3,
2011; and
WHEREAS, Tom Shriver, a life skills teacher at West Seneca Senior High
School, was chosen by the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce for his
remarkable combination of passion and compassion that are the trademarks
of his career; and
WHEREAS, The oldest of eight children, Tom Shriver graduated from West
Seneca High School and worked in management for several years; and
WHEREAS, When Tom Shriver was in his 30s, he made the decision to
further his education and pursue a career as an educator, enrolling at
Buffalo State College; he began his teaching career at Stanley Falk
School in Buffalo, New York, where he worked with emotionally disturbed
children for six years; and
WHEREAS, In his current role as a life skills teacher at West Seneca
Senior High School, this outstanding educator teaches a diverse popu-
lation of students with both mental and learning disabilities; his dedi-
cation and compassion provide his students with the necessary tools that
enable them to grow both personally and interpersonally, helping them
gain the confidence and skills needed for life after they leave high
school; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Tom Shriver has established both an in-class
plant business and a bookstore at West Seneca Senior High School, allow-
ing his students to become more independent and concurrently providing a
tremendous service to the school; and
WHEREAS, Tom Shriver also participates in various other projects with-
in the school including a learner's permit course which he volunteers to
teach to select students once a week; and
WHEREAS, Tom Shriver has clearly had an enduring impact on the youth
of West Seneca Senior High School, as well as on the community-at-large,
and accordingly merits recognition and applause for his impressive dedi-
cation to others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Tom Shriver upon the occasion of his designation as recipi-
ent of the 2011 Educator of the Year Award by the West Seneca Chamber of
Commerce; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Tom Shriver.