LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Dean Witham upon the occasion of his
retirement after 30 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 honor Dean
Witham upon the occasion of his retirement after 30 years of dedicated
service in education; he will officially retire in June of 2015; and
WHEREAS, Educators like Dean Witham 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, Born in Burlington, Vermont, to the late Hugh and Patricia
Witham, Dean Witham earned his Bachelor of Science in Education degree
from the University of Vermont in 1981, and his master's degree in
Education in 1987; and
WHEREAS, Dean Witham began his illustrious career with the Pine Plains
School District in 1985; the following year, he accepted a teaching
position with the Wallkill Central School District, where he would spend
the next 29 years; and
WHEREAS, Since then, this exemplary educator has continually demon-
strated an impressive dedication, an unparalleled devotion and an
unremitting enthusiasm for the quality of the educational programs and
opportunities offered at his school for the benefit of its faculty and
students, as well as for the entire community; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Laurie, and his two
brothers, as well as one sister, all of whom feel privileged to be a
part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Dean Witham has clearly had an enduring impact on the youth
of the Wallkill Central School District, as well as on the community-at-
large and accordingly merits recognition for his 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;
and
WHEREAS, It is also the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the applause of all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dean Witham upon the occasion of his retirement after 30 years of
dedicated service in education, and to wish him continued success in all
his future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dean Witham.