LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Cherry Lane Elementary School upon the
occasion of its designation as a 2013 National Blue Ribbon School of
Excellence

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend institutions of true purpose and high achievement whose exem-
plary programs and accomplishments clearly demonstrate the pursuit of
excellence in education and service to the community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Cherry Lane Elementary School in Airmont, New York, upon the occasion of
its designation as a 2013 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of this auspicious honor, the Airmont Town
Council has declared Saturday, September 20, 2014 as "Cherry Lane Blue
Ribbon Day"; to be celebrated with a parade, flag raising and dedication
ceremony; and
WHEREAS, The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public
and nonpublic elementary, middle, and high schools where students
achieve at very high levels; the Program sets a standard of excellence
for all schools striving for the highest level of success; and
WHEREAS, The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program is part of a larger
United States Department of Education effort to identify and disseminate
knowledge about best school leadership and teaching practices; each year
since 1982, the Department of Education has sought out schools where
students attain high academic goals and where the achievement gap is
narrowing; and
WHEREAS, Cherry Lane Elementary School was nominated by the New York
State Education Department (NYSED) as an "Exemplary High Performing
School" for ranking among the highest performing schools on state
assessments, having been recognized in 2012 as a NYSED Reward School for
sustained, significant progress on assessments; and
WHEREAS, One of only 286 schools across the country to achieve this
distinction, and the first in Rockland County, Cherry Lane Elementary is
a close-knit community of strong outstanding administrators, dedicated
professional staff, highly motivated students and highly engaged
parents; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed academic institution believes how to learn is
as important as what is learned, and that students succeed when effort
and perseverance toward excellence is encouraged and celebrated; and
WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of former Principal Dr. David
Leach, Cherry Lane Elementary School fulfilled its laudatory educational
focus on preparing students to think critically and creatively, helping
them to become confident learners and responsible citizens, a tradition
that is proudly continued by current Principal Eric Baird; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when an educa-
tional institution of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to
our attention, it should be recognized and applauded by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Cherry Lane Elementary School, upon the occasion of its desig-
nation as a 2013 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Eric Baird, Principal, Cherry Lane Elementary School.