LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Bishop
Kearney High School

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 50th Anniversary of Bishop Kearney High School, to be cele-
brated on Friday, March 9, 2012 at Russo's on the Bay in Howard Beach,
New York; and
WHEREAS, Located in Brooklyn, New York, Bishop Raymond A. Kearney High
School was founded in 1961 as part of the Diocesan system of schools; it
was dedicated by Most Reverend Bryan Joseph McEntegart on November 2,
1961, and named in honor of the youngest auxiliary Bishop of Brooklyn
who had served the Diocese from 1935 until his death on October 1, 1956;
and
WHEREAS, The Sisters of Saint Joseph were asked to administer and
staff the school; in 1973, the Henry Hald Association, which governed
Diocesan schools was dissolved and the school was purchased by the
Sisters of Saint Joseph; it was incorporated and reopened as Bishop
Kearney High School which was to be governed by a Board of Trustees; and
WHEREAS, The educational mission of the Sisters of Saint Joseph is
rooted in the mission of Jesus who came to bring about the reign of God
by revealing God's love and by healing, redeeming and liberating all
people; the unique way in which the Congregation is called to this
mission is through inclusive love which brings about union and reconcil-
iation; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Kearney High School was accredited by the Middle
States Association in 1966 and incorporated by the New York State Board
of Regents in 1973; in addition, an Absolute Charter was granted in
1979; and
WHEREAS, In 1994, the Board was expanded to include not only the
General Government of the Congregation, but also parents, alumnae and
other lay persons with expertise in education, finance and plant manage-
ment; the administrators of Bishop Kearney High School have been: Sister
Letitia Maria Flanagan, CSJ (1961-67); Sister Mary Jogues (Rose Tehan),
CSJ (1967-70); Sister Joan Crucis (Helen Faulds), CSJ (1970-80); Sister
Ann McCarthy (John Capistran), CSJ (1980-90); Sister Joan McAvoy (Maria
Columba), CSJ (1990-2003); and Sister Thomasine Stagnitta, CSJ
(2003-Present); and
WHEREAS, An all-girls school, Bishop Kearney High School 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, 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 50th Anniversary of Bishop Kearney High School; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Bishop Kearney High School in Brooklyn, New York.