LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Ben Herbrich upon the occasion of his
retirement from Martin Luther High School

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and character
whose endeavors have enhanced the quality of education in this great
State; and
WHEREAS, The result of many individual efforts, the excellence and the
success of Martin Luther High School is due in large part to the efforts
of Ben Herbrich; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Ben Herbrich
upon the occasion of his retirement from Martin Luther High School, to
be celebrated on Saturday, June 5, 2010, in Maspeth, New York; and
WHEREAS, In early 1964, Ben Herbrich told the placement interviewer at
Concordia Teachers College in Seward, Nebraska, that he would move
anyplace but New York; in August of that year, he arrived at Martin
Luther High School in Maspeth, New York, to teach physical science; and
WHEREAS, Ben Herbrich had attended grades 1-8 at St. John Lutheran
School in Corpus Christi, Texas, and later graduated from Roy Miller
High School; from there, he went on to Concordia Teachers College; and
WHEREAS, While at Concordia, studying mathematics and physical science
in a Lutheran secondary education bachelor's degree program, Ben Herb-
rich enjoyed serving as student activities chairman of the Student
Senate, and working a part-time job in the bookstore; he sang with the A
Cappella Choir and had his first glimpse of Maspeth from a fast-moving
bus traveling on the Long Island Expressway during choir tour in the
spring of 1964; and
WHEREAS, The Texas native soon became a true New Yorker, as Ben Herb-
rich and his wife, Jeanette lived in Rego Park, Flushing, and later
moved to Queens Village, where they currently reside; and
WHEREAS, Continuing his professional preparation Ben Herbrich received
a Masters of Arts degree at New York University and a processional
diploma at Queens College; he acquired numerous certifications and
recognitions of professional growth, including a National Science Foun-
dation grant; he became principal in 1971 and accepted his current posi-
tion as Head of School in 1988; and
WHEREAS, At the 47th commencement ceremony, Concordia College New York
will recognize Ben Herbrich with one of its highest honors, an Honorary
Doctor of Laws degree; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Herbrich's service to the Church at large, in the growth
of Lutheran education at all levels, has been extensive; he has been a
member, trustee and chairman for various school and association boards,
and a regent of Concordia College for six years; and
WHEREAS, Ben Herbrich currently serves as District Commissioner for
the National Lutheran School Accreditation of the Lutheran Church,
Missouri Synod; both he and Jeanette, are members at the Lutheran Church
of Saint John, Flushing; they are the proud parents of Mark and Kath-
leen, and have five grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Ben Herbrich has continually demonstrated an impressive dedi-
cation, an unparalleled devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm for the
quality of the educational programs and opportunities offered at Martin
Luther High School for the benefit of its faculty and students, as well
as for the entire community; and
WHEREAS, In completing his service as Head of School, Ben Herbrich
leaves behind more than mere bricks and mortar; he leaves behind a lega-
cy to the residents of the Maspeth community and to future generations
of its students; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Ben Herbrich upon the occasion of his retirement from Martin
Luther High School, and for his significant contributions to education
in New York State; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ben Herbrich.