LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Dr. Virginia Pepe upon the occasion of
her retirement after many years of distinguished service as Principal of
PS 163

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 honor Dr.
Virginia Pepe upon the occasion of her retirement after many years of
distinguished service as Principal of PS 163; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Virginia Pepe earned her teaching degree at Columbia
University and began her career as a special education teacher; and
WHEREAS, After some time working for the Central Board of the Depart-
ment of Education, Dr. Virginia Pepe returned to the classroom in 1997,
inspired again by the stellar level of education her own children had
received in the New York City public schools; and
WHEREAS, In 2002, Dr. Virginia Pepe became principal of PS 163, where
she has been universally celebrated and loved since she began; and
WHEREAS, During her tenure, Dr. Virginia Pepe developed an elementary
school in which students from gifted and talented, general education,
special education, and dual language classrooms mingled during clubs and
after-school activities, and parents and faculty alike celebrated diver-
sity; and
WHEREAS, A champion of arts education for children, Dr. Virginia Pepe
was honored with the 2011 Partners in Excellence award for her work with
the Young Audiences New York program, advocating for and providing arts
education for young students; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Virginia Pepe is a first-rate educator who understands
the importance of community involvement in running a successful school;
she has garnered much respect from her community and has been successful
in guaranteeing a quality education for every one of her students; and
WHEREAS, Educators like Dr. Virginia Pepe 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, Dr. Virginia Pepe has clearly had an enduring impact on the
youth of PS 163 as well as on the community-at-large, and accordingly
merits recognition and applause for her impressive dedication 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
honor Dr. Virginia Pepe upon the occasion of her retirement after many
years of distinguished service as Principal of PS 163, and for her
significant contributions to education in New York State; and to wish
her continued success in all of her future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. Virginia Pepe.