Senate Resolution No. 1067

BY: Senator RAMOS

HONORING the Lexington School for the Deaf upon
the occasion of hosting its 28th Annual Basketball
Classic vs. Assembly/Senate All-Stars on May 20,
2025

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those institutions of true purpose and high achievement whose
exemplary programs and accomplishments clearly demonstrate an enduring
pursuit of excellence in the education of deaf youth in the Empire
State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
the Lexington School for the Deaf upon the occasion of hosting its 28th
Annual Basketball Classic to be held at the Kipp Tech Valley Charter
School Gymnasium on Tuesday, May 20, 2025; and

WHEREAS, This annual contest will feature the Lexington School for
the Deaf versus the Assembly and Senate All-Stars; and

WHEREAS, The Lexington School for the Deaf was founded in 1864 when
the first class of six children and an instructor was convened at the
home of Isaac and Hannah Rosenfeld; and

WHEREAS, Due to constantly increasing enrollment, the school moved
several times until it settled in 1882, at 904 Lexington Avenue with 161
students; in 1934, it officially became the Lexington School for the
Deaf; and

WHEREAS, The Lexington School for the Deaf continued to grow and in
1968, its new home was inaugurated on a six-acre site at 30th Avenue and
75th Street in Jackson Heights, Queens; and

WHEREAS, Today, the Lexington School for the Deaf, with a student
body of over 250 children, from infants through high school seniors, is
the largest school for the deaf in New York State, and its student body
resides throughout the five boroughs of New York City and adjacent
counties; and

WHEREAS, A charter member of the 4201 Association, New York
State-supported private schools for disabled children, the Lexington
School for the Deaf houses the only high school in New York City under
the auspices of the 4201 charter; and

WHEREAS, In addition to its strong academic program, the Lexington
School for the Deaf offers a broad range of physical and cultural
education programs, including highly regarded basketball teams; and

WHEREAS, In 1995, Joseph Crowley, a former member of the New York
State Assembly representing the Lexington School for the Deaf,
established the Lexington School versus the New York State Legislature
Basketball Game; and

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to extend its
highest commendation to all the individuals who have been involved with
the Lexington School for the Deaf, past and present, noting the
importance of their work and their enduring commitment to deaf children;
now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the Lexington School for the Deaf upon the occasion of hosting its
28th Annual Basketball Classic; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitable engrossed, be
transmitted to Seth Bravin, Interim CEO/Superintendent; Maria Noto, CFO;
Jane Moran, Special Assistant to the CEO/Superintendent; Carlos
Aponte-Salcedo, Jr., Director of Student & Family Engagement; Cindy S.
Casson, Director, Community Relations; Nicolas Tegni, Athletic Director;
Adam Pagan & Andy Cruz, Varsity Boys Basketball Coaches; and Raven Pentz
and Wendell Forbes, Varsity Girls Basketball Coaches.