LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Sheila Huggins, Principal of PS98Q,
upon the occasion of her retirement after many distinguished years as an
educator

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 acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of those outstanding
educational leaders, whose dedication and achievements have been instru-
mental in developing character and academic excellence in the young
people of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Sheila Huggins upon the occasion of her retirement after many years of
dedicated service in education; she is officially retiring as Principal
of PS98Q, a position she has held for the past 23 years, and will be
honored by the school on Wednesday, May 27, 2015; and
WHEREAS, A native of Queens, New York, Sheila Huggins always wanted to
be a teacher; she was raised by parents who encouraged a love of learn-
ing; her father, who affectionately called her "Sugie", was a self-edu-
cated man who taught her the joy of good music, to always have faith,
and most especially stimulated her love of books; and
WHEREAS, Many of her fondest memories are of her father reading to her
when she was young, something she speaks of often and emulates every
month with her readings to students; and
WHEREAS, In 1968, Sheila Huggins graduated from Andrew Jackson High
School, and was granted a scholarship to attend New York University,
from which she graduated with honors in 1972 with a degree in early
childhood education; and
WHEREAS, Sheila Huggins immediately went through the then grueling
oral exam process to become a Kindergarten teacher, working in Manhat-
tan, Brooklyn, and Queens; after 11 years teaching at PS186 in Glen
Oaks, Queens, she was urged to apply for the Danforth Fellow Assistant
Principals Program at CCNY; upon completing the program, she interned at
PS173 in Fresh Meadows, followed by Assistant Principal assignments at
two other Fresh Meadows schools - PS26 and JHS216; and
WHEREAS, In 1992, Sheila Huggins was appointed Principal of PS98Q;
since then, she has been influencing the direction of student lives and
learning; and
WHEREAS, Educators like Sheila Huggins provide a tremendous service to
the future of our State and Nation, inspiring generations of young
people in their educational journeys and ensuring their success in their
future years; and
WHEREAS, Sheila Huggins has clearly had an enduring impact on the
youth of the PS98Q, as well as on the community-at-large, and according-
ly merits recognition and applause for her impressive dedication to
others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those individuals who work to support our proud tradition of
public education by providing their skills and talents to our schools;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Sheila Huggins upon the occasion of her retirement after many
years of dedicated service in education, and for her 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 Sheila Huggins.