LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Robert Vecchio upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the inaugural Champion for Change Award by
the New York State School Boards Association

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 custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
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
Robert Vecchio upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
inaugural Champion for Change Award by the New York State School Boards
Association celebrated at the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association's
annual banquet on Thursday, May 28, 2015, at the Woodbury Country Club
in Woodbury, New York; and
WHEREAS, The New York State School Boards Association's Champion for
Change Award recognizes innovative and ethical leadership which has
brought improvements in a school district's programs and operations; and
WHEREAS, Known for being a tremendous advocate for children, Robert
Vecchio was selected for this prestigious honor out of approximately 700
nominations from school districts across the state for his work which
has enriched the lives of students in his community; and
WHEREAS, A resident of Shirley, New York, Robert Vecchio is a graduate
of Sachem High School, and currently serves as Chief Financial Officer
of Seafield Center, a rehabilitation facility which serves Long Island
and New York City; and
WHEREAS, Since 2003, this esteemed man has ably served as a member of
the William Floyd School District Board of Education, and has diligently
acted as the panel's president for the past nine years; recently, he was
re-elected to another six year term; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious tenure, Robert Vecchio has served
with loyalty, honor, and distinction while helping the young people of
his community and contributing to the rise of the William Floyd School
District's graduation rate to 80 percent; and
WHEREAS, Robert Vecchio has also helped his district develop an
in-house career and technical education program to give teenagers
instruction for careers in six fields: automotive technology, business,
carpentry, cosmetology, culinary arts and medical assisting; the
program's enrollment has grown to 200 students since its inception three
years ago; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Robert Vecchio is credited with spearheading the
Town of Brookhaven's first "Our Community Salutes" program to recognize
high school graduates who have proudly served their country as members
of the United States Armed Forces; and
WHEREAS, Robert Vecchio has been called upon to contribute his time
and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always
given of himself unstintingly; he graciously serves on the Brookhaven
Town Ethics Board in addition to his many other duties; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Robert Vecchio has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Laura, and their two
children, Amanda and Robert Jr., all of whom feel privileged to be a
part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Robert Vecchio has displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when educa-
tional leaders of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Robert Vecchio upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the inaugural Champion for Change Award by the New York State School
Boards Association; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Robert Vecchio.