LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Matthew Kravatz upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by the Orange County Human Rights
Commission on May 28, 2015

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Matthew
Kravatz upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by
the Orange County Human Rights Commission, to be celebrated at its 20th
Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, May 28, 2015, at The Fountains of
Wallkill, Middletown, New York; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed man has been called upon to contribute his time
and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always
given of himself unstintingly; he is being honored by the Orange County
Human Rights Commission in recognition of his steadfast dedication to
his community and his work to build better relationships among diverse
people, encouraging them to participate in community life on an equal
basis; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Providence College, Matthew Kravatz also earned
a Master's degree in Literacy Education from the College of New Rochelle
in Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, Matthew Kravatz is the Principal at North Main Street Elemen-
tary School in Monroe, New York, whose population is the largest in the
district who qualify for free and reduced lunch, in addition to a large
percentage of Limited English Proficiency students; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Matthew Kravatz, North Main
Street Elementary School has a profound sense of community, and embraces
many of the challenges which come with poverty; the staff, under his
guidance and leadership, has become a unified force intent on creating a
united and welcoming place where both parents and children can be heard,
helped and celebrated; and
WHEREAS, Matthew Kravatz has been instrumental in the success of
numerous programs which incorporate ESL instruction for parents and
their children; parents are also welcome to use the school library after
hours to access computers, books and magazines; and
WHEREAS, In addition, he began a community garden, grown and nurtured
by the students, and whose produce is then shared with the local fami-
lies to enjoy healthy and organic vegetables at the end of the harvest
season; and
WHEREAS, Matthew Kravatz has truly instilled a sense of community
within North Main Street Elementary School; students who once were on
the fringes now participate fully, and parents who would never attend
school functions because of the language barrier, now attend all the
open houses, conferences, class parties, and all activities in between;
and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Matthew Kravatz has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Matthew Kravatz has displayed
throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, 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
honor Matthew Kravatz upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Orange County Human Rights Commission on May 28,
2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Matthew Kravatz.