LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Gussie Johnson upon the occasion of
her designation as recipient of the 2015 Head Start Distinguished
Service Award by the Capital District Child Care Council on April 22,
2015

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 the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Gussie Johnson upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
2015 Head Start Distinguished Service Award by the Capital District
Child Care Council to be celebrated at its Semi-Annual Meeting and Head
Start 50th Anniversary Celebration on Wednesday, April 22, 2015, at
Wolfert's Roost Country Club, in Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, In 1968, Gussie Johnson began employment as a Teacher with
ACAP Head Start; for over 45 years, she has been a leader and powerful
resource in the field of early childhood education; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, Gussie Johnson has worn many hats in the Head
Start program, and has devoted her time and energies to creating a qual-
ity educational experience for children and their families; in addition
to teaching, she is known to cook, clean, ride the bus, and is one of
the top recruiters; and
WHEREAS, A hands-on teacher, as well as an advocate for children,
Gussie Johnson has been instrumental in supporting efforts to increase
funding and proper care for Head Start; she also shows her undivided
dedication and respect for the education field by keeping her skills
current through training and professional development; and
WHEREAS, For more than four decades, Gussie Johnson has had the oppor-
tunity to make a positive impact on her community by educating students,
many of whom are now returning to the Head Start program to enroll their
children and grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Gussie Johnson officially retired in 2010, but continues to
serve as a mentor and substitute teacher for the Head Start program; her
valued contributions and commitment to the program are second to none;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those individuals in the teaching profession who distinguish
themselves in their dedication and commitment to their students; and
WHEREAS, Gussie Johnson has clearly had an enduring impact on the
youth of the CEO Head Start, as well as on the community-at-large, and
accordingly merits recognition and applause for her impressive dedi-
cation to others; and
WHEREAS, Throughout her career thus far, Gussie Johnson has brought an
uncompromising standard of excellence to her work and a warm sense of
caring and concern to every young person she educates; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Gussie Johnson upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the 2015 Head Start Distinguished Service Award by the Capital
District Child Care Council on April 22, 2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Gussie Johnson.