Senate Resolution No. 566

BY: Senator MARTINS

HONORING Mary Christine Modica upon the occasion
of her designation for special recognition by
Cellini Lodge No. 2206, Order Sons & Daughters of
Italy in America

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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
organizations 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 honor
Mary Christine Modica upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by Cellini Lodge No. 2206, Order Sons & Daughters of Italy
in America, to be celebrated at its 55th Annual Scholarship and
Charitable Benefit Dinner Dance, "La Festa Delle Donne," on Friday,
March 24, 2023, at the Westbury Manor, Westbury, New York; and

WHEREAS, In April of 2015, Mary Christine Modica joined the Cellini
Lodge No. 2206, Order Sons & Daughters of Italy in America, where she
currently serves as President; in addition, she has chaired the five-day
annual Italian Festival, is on the Scholarship and Gift of Sight
Committees, has chaired the Student Summit and is President of the
Cellini Charitable Foundation, as well as Treasurer of the District II
Presidents; and

WHEREAS, Mary Christine Modica was born in Brooklyn, New York to
parents Helen Gulino Modica and Gaspar Modica; her Italian roots can be
traced back to Sicily, Italy through her maternal grandparents, Maria Di
Giovanna and Vincent Gulino from Sciacca and her paternal grandparents,
Antonia Di Giovanna and Vincenzo Modica from Menfi, all of whom arrived
in New York State in the late 1880s looking for a better life; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary woman attended St. Martin of Tours
Elementary School in Brooklyn before moving to St. Matthias Elementary
School in Ridgewood, Queens, New York in fourth grade; upon completing
grammar school, she enrolled in Our Lady of Wisdom Academy in Ozone
Park, Queens; and

WHEREAS, With the dream of pursuing a career as an elementary school
teacher in her youth, Mary Christine Modica graduated with a Bachelor of
Science degree in Elementary Education from St. John's University where
she served as historian of her sorority, Iota Sigma Phi, before becoming
its president; and

WHEREAS, Mary Christine Modica furthered her career by attending
Hofstra University, while teaching full-time in Commack, Long Island,
and obtaining a Master of Arts degree in Elementary Education; and

WHEREAS, After teaching in Commack for more than 20 years, Mary
Christine Modica earned a Professional Diploma in Administration from
C.W. Post, where she was a member of Phi Delta Kappa; and


WHEREAS, After an impressive academic career, Mary Christine Modica
relocated to Columbia County for her first position as a building and
elementary advisor; she later returned to Long Island and accepted a
position in the Southampton School District; and

WHEREAS, Mary Christine Modica went on to serve as Principal of the
J. Fred Sparke Elementary School in the Island Trees School District
where she remained until her retirement after a successful and rewarding
41-year career in education; and

WHEREAS, As a testament to the countless lives she touched, Mary
Christine Modica received numerous awards and accolades from
organizations such as the Nassau County Principals' Association, where
she served as Treasurer; she also received the New York State Congress
of Parents and Teachers Life Member Awards and the National PTA Life
Achievement Award; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, she was the proud recipient of the Everyday
Hero Award from the Kiwanis Club, and received recognition from the Boy
Scouts of America as well as the New York City Fire Department's
Woodside Warriors for helping the Company and their families deal with
tragedies; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to volunteering,
Mary Christine Modica has given tirelessly of her time and energies to
the American Cancer Society in Queens, New York, serving on its
Executive Board; she also became very involved with the Make-A-Wish
Foundation, Brentwood Shelter, New Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce, and
Hope for Youth; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her older sister, Nina, and
younger brother, Vincent, both of whom feel privileged to be a part of
her life and rejoice in her accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Mary Christine Modica upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition by Cellini Lodge No. 2206, Order Sons & Daughters of
Italy in America; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Mary Christine Modica.