LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Mary Jane Pitt upon the occasion of her
selection as Grand Marshal of the Village of Highland Falls 4th of July
Parade

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those distinguished citizens of the State of New York who
devote their lifework and civic endeavor in service to their community,
adding to the character and quality of life for all citizens; and
WHEREAS, Our proud tradition of celebrating the birth of our Nation on
July 4, 1776 is not only a tribute to our rich history, but a reflection
of our living commitment to the exercise of freedom, a legacy which
rings through the ages and touches every citizen throughout the land of
liberty; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Mary
Jane Pitt upon the occasion of her selection as Grand Marshal of the
Village of Highland Falls 4th of July Parade; and
WHEREAS, Born in Frankfurt, Germany in 1966, Mary Jane Hawthorne grew
up all over the world; throughout her childhood, she and her family
resided in Germany, Korea, Kansas, Indiana, West Virginia, Virginia, and
Pennsylvania, before relocating to New York; and
WHEREAS, A 1984 graduate of Chantilly High School in Fairfax, Virgi-
nia, Mary Jane Pitt went on to attend the Perley Isaac Reed School of
Journalism at West Virginia University, from which she graduated in
1988; and
WHEREAS, Mary Jane Pitt came home to spend time with her parents at
West Point just days after graduating from college, never intending to
stay; however, after taking what was expected to be a short-term job at
The News of the Highlands, 23 years later she serves as its Editor,
having been promoted to that position in 2005; and
WHEREAS, Mary Jane married Thomas Pitt, in 1990; today the couple
resides in Highland Falls, New York, and has three daughters, Courtney,
Katie, and Hannah; and
WHEREAS, While working at The News of the Highlands, and raising her
children, Mary Jane Pitt has also spent countless hours volunteering in
local schools, serving as a Girl Scout Leader, and serving her church,
The United Methodist Church of the Highlands, as Sunday School Super-
intendent; and
WHEREAS, In addition, from 2002 to 2005, Mary Jane Pitt served as the
President of the Board of Directors of the nonprofit Nursery School of
the Highlands; and
WHEREAS, Mary Jane Pitt covers a great deal for The News of the High-
lands including Town, Village, and School Board meetings, and writes
everything from feature stories, to weddings, obituaries, and births, as
well as takes most of the photographs used in the weekly paper; and
WHEREAS, Some of Mary Jane Pitt's many awards and accolades include,
the 2004 Women of Distinction Award, presented by Highland Falls Mayor,
Joe D'Onofrio, a 2005 Sarah Wells Girl Scout Council Outstanding Leader
Award, and a 2007 Women Who Make a Difference Award, presented by the
Hudson Valley Women's Association; and
WHEREAS, Mary Jane Pitt is a fitting choice for Grand Marshal of the
Village of Highland Falls 4th of July Parade, for she embodies the spir-
it and the cherished ideals and values of this great State and Nation;
and
WHEREAS, Mary Jane Pitt's distinguished record merits the recognition
and respectful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Mary Jane Pitt upon the occasion of her selection as Grand Marshal
of the Village of Highland Falls 4th of July Parade; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mary Jane Pitt.