LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Sophie Gerson Healthy Youth
program for promoting lifelong fitness through sports and dance, and
supporting healthy education in New York City schools

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Sophie Gerson Healthy Youth program for promoting lifelong fitness
through sports and dance, and to support healthy education in New York
City schools; and
WHEREAS, The Sophie Gerson Healthy Youth program was established in
conjunction with the New York City Department of Education to perpetuate
Sophie Gerson's great work as a Physical Education teacher for 36 years
in the New York City public school system; and
WHEREAS, This vital program promotes lifelong healthy lifestyles and
self-esteem by providing critically needed opportunities and instruction
to middle school students, particularly girls, in tennis, dance, volley-
ball, basketball and other fitness activities along with health educa-
tion; and
WHEREAS, Growing up a poor girl in the Bronx during the Depression,
playing self-taught tennis with a hand-me-down racket is what gave
Sophie Gerson an important outlet which ultimately fostered her lifelong
love of sports and physical fitness; and
WHEREAS, Throughout her career as a Physical Education and Health
teacher, this remarkable woman was truly an inspiration to many
students; and
WHEREAS, Sophie Gerson was ahead of her time pioneering increased
physical education, equality for girls in athletics, expanded school
based health services, anti-smoking efforts, anti-drug abuse efforts,
and the City's first Family Living curriculum; and
WHEREAS, In the faithful performance of her duties, Sophie Gerson's
ongoing endeavors and notable achievements significantly contributed to
bettering the quality of life for the youth in her community; and
WHEREAS, After she retired, Sophie Gerson served as a member of Commu-
nity School Board 2, on which she held the position of President; under
her direction, District 2 led the school system with many important
educational reforms and school improvements, including a revised hygiene
curriculum, improved and expanded health education and services, model
tolerance and discipline code, and improved nutrition in school meals,
as well as the District's acclaimed reading program, hands-on science
education, and smaller sized new schools; and
WHEREAS, The Sophie Gerson Healthy Youth program is a fitting legacy
reflecting this woman's vision and numerous contributions benefiting the
children of New York City; it is the sense of this Legislative Body that
when programs of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Sophie Gerson Healthy Youth program for promoting lifelong
fitness through sports and dance, and supporting healthy education in
New York City schools; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Sophie Gerson Healthy Youth program.