Senate Resolution No. 1312

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Abigail King Jackson posthumously upon
the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
Bertha Brimmer Medal by the University at Albany
Alumni Association

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of
and publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and
character whose endeavors enhanced the quality of education in this
great State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Abigail King Jackson posthumously upon the occasion of her designation
as recipient of the Bertha Brimmer Medal by the University at Albany
Alumni Association to be celebrated with a Gala on May 4, 2019, at
Wolfert's Roost, Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Bertha Brimmer Medal honors University at Albany
graduates for excellence in teaching and dedication to their profession;
this auspicious award was founded by the Class of 1934, and is named for
a Class of 1900 graduate known for her devotion to teaching and service
to the University; and

WHEREAS, Abigail King Jackson truly dedicated her life to her career
at Wilbur H. Lynch Literacy Academy in Amsterdam, New York; she spent
each day pouring her positive energy into the well-being of both
students and teachers, and extended her efforts to the
community-at-large; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from Amsterdam High School, Abigail King
Jackson went on to earn a bachelor's degree in elementary education from
SUNY Cortland in 2007, and a master's degree in literacy from the
University at Albany School of Education in 2008; and

WHEREAS, Abigail King Jackson began her illustrious career in
education at Hoosic Valley before returning home to the Greater
Amsterdam School District; and

WHEREAS, As a teacher, Abigail King Jackson was soft spoken and
kind, but firm - the perfect characteristics for her role - and the
students recognized she had high expectations for them; she worked with
up to 100 students per year, providing individualized instruction for
those who struggled with reading and comprehension; and

WHEREAS, Abigail King Jackson's students truly understood how much
she cared for them and trusted her to help them learn and grow their
literacy skills; in addition to teaching her students strategies to
improve their reading skills, she created a warm classroom environment
where each child felt comfortable and willing to take risks; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, this extraordinary woman worked particularly
well with students who had special needs, finding creative and effective

ways to offer appropriate reading instruction for all, even for those
who resisted the process; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her
profession, Abigail King Jackson's role as a teacher did not end in the
classroom; she often spent her own money buying books for students, and
selflessly volunteered her time to the school community after-hours and
on weekends; and

WHEREAS, Abigail King Jackson served on five school-wide committees
including the School Comprehensive Education Plan team, Parent-Community
Outreach team, Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS) team, the
School Improvement team and the Sunshine Committee; she also co-founded
the Wellness Committee to support the social and emotional well-being of
students and staff; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, she volunteered her time to hand out PBIS
rewards to students during lunch, and organized fundraising for the
backpack program which provides a weekend's supply of food for students
in need; and

WHEREAS, Active in her community, Abigail King Jackson also served
as a coach for the local soccer buddies program; and

WHEREAS, In addition to fulfilling her roles as a loving wife and
mother to two young girls, Abigail King Jackson's commitment to the
education profession was commendable and her genuine interaction with
her students inspiring; and

WHEREAS, In October of 2018, Abigail King Jackson's life was
tragically cut short, but her legacy as an advocate for literacy, a
teacher and a friend and model community member lives on; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Abigail King Jackson
displayed throughout her life; and

WHEREAS, The Amsterdam community is indeed fortunate and blessed to
have had such a dedicated and respected educational leader; her wisdom
and contributions reached into every classroom, truly making a
difference in the lives of those lucky enough to have known her; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Abigail King Jackson posthumously upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Bertha Brimmer Medal by the University
at Albany Alumni Association; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Abigail King Jackson.