Assembly Resolution No. 110

BY: M. of A. Griffin

MOURNING the death of Ernest Kight Jr., beloved
educator, distinguished citizen and devoted member
of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this
great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Ernest Kight Jr. of Freeport, New York, died on Saturday,
February 27, 2021, at the age of 68; and

WHEREAS, In 1971, Ernest Kight Jr. graduated from Freeport High
School and, immediately after earning his bachelor's degree in political
science from Stonehill College, in Massachusetts, he returned to
Freeport High as a social studies teacher, his dream job; and

WHEREAS, He was not only a dedicated teacher, but also an
inspirational coach as he helped mold the girls' basketball team into a
powerhouse, claiming the Nassau County championship for four consecutive
years from 1989-1992; and

WHEREAS, For his dedication and commitment to the Red Devils, Coach
Ernest Kight Jr. was inducted into the Nassau County High School
Athletics 2019 Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, In 1991, Ernest Kight Jr. was promoted to Assistant
Principal of Freeport High School before being named Principal in 2009;
and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary educational leader retired in 2012,
after 32 years of outstanding service to the district, but, again, he
was not gone for long as he returned in 2015, to serve on the Board of
Education; four years later, he became President of the board; and

WHEREAS, His knowledge of education and school functioning made him
an excellent board member and President; while remaining fiscally
responsible, he thoughtfully weighed the needs of the students and their
families; and

WHEREAS, Ernest Kight Jr., who was very proud of his Freeport
community, actively supported both the academic programs and the
extracurricular programs, and was very involved in advocacy matters with
policymakers; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his esteemed career, Ernest Kight Jr. was
devoted to helping others succeed; he provided 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, Ernest Kight Jr.'s commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, During the pandemic, Ernest Kight Jr. worked to support
students and staff by helping secure PPE and urging all to stay informed
on how to combat the spread of Covid-19; and

WHEREAS, He also worked with Northwell Health and the Memorial
Presbyterian Church, in Roosevelt, New York; he received the Moderna
vaccine live on camera in an effort to encourage others to get
vaccinated; and

WHEREAS, Ernest Kight Jr. is survived by his loving wife, Diane Mary
Caruso; and his proud father, Ernest Kight Sr.; as well as his three
caring siblings, Vanessa Kight, Angelyn Kight and Christopher Kight; he
will be truly missed by many; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Ernest Kight Jr. leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Ernest Kight Jr., and to express its deepest
condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Ernest Kight Jr.