Senate Resolution No. 2286

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of John F.
Hughes Elementary School in Utica, New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those distinguished educational institutions which have
demonstrated a sustained commitment to academic excellence, civic
responsibility, and service to their communities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of John F. Hughes Elementary School in
Utica, New York; and

WHEREAS, Established in 1925, John F. Hughes Elementary School
stands as one of the oldest continuously operating public schools in the
City of Utica and the second oldest school building currently serving
students in the Utica City School District; and

WHEREAS, Located in East Utica, one of the City's oldest immigrant
neighborhoods, the school has for a century served generations of
families who helped shape the social, cultural, and economic fabric of
the Mohawk Valley; and

WHEREAS, During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, East Utica
became home to many Italian immigrant families who came to the region
seeking opportunity and employment in local factories and the railroad
industry, and John F. Hughes Elementary School became a cornerstone of
education, opportunity, and community life for those families and
countless others; and

WHEREAS, Constructed in the architectural style characteristic of
early 20th century urban neighborhood schools in New York State, the
school was intentionally situated within walking distance of surrounding
homes at a time before widespread school transportation became common
practice; and

WHEREAS, The school proudly bears the name of John F. Hughes, an
immigrant from North Wales who arrived in the United States in 1872 and
became one of Utica's most respected civic and business leaders; and

WHEREAS, John F. Hughes distinguished himself as a successful
building contractor and founder of the American Hard Wall Plaster
Company, while also dedicating himself to public service and civic
advancement throughout the City of Utica; and

WHEREAS, As founding president of the Builders Exchange, director of
the Utica Chamber of Commerce, and contributor to the drafting of the
City's early building ordinances, John F. Hughes played a vital role in
the development and modernization of Utica; and

WHEREAS, From 1896 until 1903, John F. Hughes served as commissioner
of the Utica School Board, where he was widely credited with

implementing major improvements and modernization efforts within the
City's public school system; and

WHEREAS, For 100 years, John F. Hughes Elementary School has
remained steadfast in its mission to provide its diverse student
population with a high-quality education in a safe and orderly learning
environment, ensuring that students develop the knowledge and
competencies necessary to become college- and career-ready citizens; and

WHEREAS, The school continues to foster a vision of creating a safe
and respectful community of learners in which educational
accomplishments are acknowledged and rewarded, thereby inspiring future
generations to achieve their fullest potential; and

WHEREAS, The success and longevity of John F. Hughes Elementary
School are due in large measure to the dedication of its administrators,
faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni, and community supporters, all
of whom have contributed to its proud legacy over the past century; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of John F. Hughes Elementary School in
Utica, New York, and to honor its enduring contributions to public
education and community life; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to John F. Hughes Elementary School.