LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the Bicentennial Anniversary of the
Herricks Union Free School District

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those institutions of commitment and high achievement whose
purpose and endeavors prove a dedication to the pursuit of excellence in
the education of the youth of this noble Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the Bicentennial Anniversary of the Herricks Union Free School
District, of Nassau County, New York; and
WHEREAS, The steadfast and unyielding commitment of parents, educators
and administrators to provide the highest quality education for students
has become the hallmark and tradition of the Herricks Union Free School
District; and
WHEREAS, The Herricks Union Free School District traces its roots back
to August 9, 1813, when it was the 10th school district formally defined
by the newly formed Commissioners of Schools in the Town of North Hemp-
stead; and
WHEREAS, The rich history of the Herricks Union Free School District
also tells the story of the development of the community it serves; and
WHEREAS, The school district was named after Herricks Path, a
thoroughfare that existed in the area since 1659; the land Herricks High
School currently occupies was known as Watermelon Hill, which was
originally a burial ground for a local farming family called the Pear-
salls; and
WHEREAS, The Herricks Union Free School District is also part of the
history of the development of our great nation; it figured prominently
in the issue of prayer in schools when a 1962 Supreme Court ruling
decreed that government-written prayers were not to be recited in public
schools; and
WHEREAS, As part of marking this impressive milestone, the Herricks
Union Free School District's history will be included in a new curric-
ulum being developed for different grade levels over the current year;
and
WHEREAS, As this venerable institution enters its next century, the
Herricks Union Free School District stands prepared to reach out, in
earnest and enthusiastic quest of its mission, to promote the maximum
growth of every student, establishing standards and building skills
which will carry its students and the citizens of its community into the
future; and
WHEREAS, Under the visionary leadership of Superintendent of Schools
John Bierwirth, the Herricks Union Free School District is proudly aware
of its distinguished past, eager to fulfill its present commitment to
parents, students and the community, and planning with vision and
purpose for the ebb and swell of growth and change it will encounter in
the years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the Bicentennial Anniversary of the Herricks Union Free
School District; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to John Bierwirth, Superintendent, Herricks Union Free School
District.