LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Brewster Education Foundation for
25 years of Excellence in Education

WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled; its
history and stature are secured by the superlative caliber of its educa-
tional professionals and the students they inspire; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense 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 commend
the Brewster Education Foundation for 25 years of Excellence in Educa-
tion, to be celebrated at its Annual Gala Benefit Dinner on Saturday,
March 21, 2009; and
WHEREAS, The planning for a school foundation was initiated in 1983 by
Joseph Sabatella, then Assistant Principal at Brewster High School and
George Zupko, Director of Student Services, under the leadership of
Superintendent James Monk; the Brewster Education Foundation was incor-
porated later that school year and was supported by the Board of Educa-
tion and many dedicated community leaders; it was the first such founda-
tion in New York to develop public-private collaboration for a public
school district; and
WHEREAS, Independent of the school district, the Foundation raises and
disburses funds for projects beyond those supported by regular school
sources; the additional assistance helps fill the gap that exists
between the programs teachers would like to have and those available to
them through district budgeting; and
WHEREAS, The Foundation has also become the manager of a growing
number of financial endowments, established by community members in the
name of friends and loved ones; the endowments generate revenue to
provide scholarships and other educational opportunities as directed by
the endowments; and
WHEREAS, The Brewster Education Foundation has thus established itself
as a part of the support for public education in the Brewster community
and continues to involve the community in the pursuit of excellence in
education; and
WHEREAS, The Brewster Education Foundation's distinguished record
merits the recognition and respectful tribute of this Legislative Body;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Brewster Education Foundation for 25 years of Excellence in
Education; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Brewster Education Foundation.