LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Carl P. Onken upon the occasion of his
retirement after many years of dedicated service in education

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 Carl
P. Onken upon the occasion of his retirement after many years of dedi-
cated service in education; and
WHEREAS, Carl P. Onken, President of the Orange-Ulster Board of Coop-
erative Educational Services (BOCES) since 1997, stepped down from his
esteemed position on June 30, 2014, after 17 years of distinguished
service to the Cooperative Board; and
WHEREAS, A resident of Central Valley, Carl P. Onken has been a member
of the Orange-Ulster Cooperative Board since 1985; he was a member of
the Monroe-Woodbury Board of Education from 1978 to 1999, serving as
President for four years; and
WHEREAS, In addition, he was President of the Orange County School
Boards Association from 1988 to 1991, as well as a member of the New
York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA), serving as NYSSBA Presi-
dent, Vice-President and Area 9 Director; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his service to public education, Carl P. Onken has
been steadfast, conscientious and insightful; during his tenure he
committed himself wholeheartedly to providing high-quality education in
New York State schools; and
WHEREAS, Carl P. Onken is a dedicated and passionate advocate for
public education, and his tireless service to Orange-Ulster BOCES has
resulted in numerous ground-breaking and progressive programs for
students of all ages and abilities; he has devoted his time and know-
ledge to schools and school board service with vision, pragmatism and
leadership; and
WHEREAS, Educators like Carl P. Onken 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, Carl P. Onken has clearly had an enduring impact on the youth
of Orange-Ulster BOCES, as well as on the community-at-large, and
accordingly merits recognition and applause for his impressive dedi-
cation 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 Carl P. Onken upon the occasion of his retirement after many years
of dedicated service in education, and to wish him continued success in
all of his future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Carl P. Onken.