LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Sheron Gaspar upon the occasion of her
retirement after 40 years of distinguished service to children with
disabilities and their families on August 31, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individ-
uals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its
citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Sheron Gaspar upon the occasion of her retirement after 40 years of
distinguished service to children with disabilities and their families
on Wednesday, August 31, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Forty-three years ago, as a young parent of a child with Down
Syndrome, Sheron Gaspar's quest for appropriate educational and thera-
peutic services for her son hit a dead-end; and
WHEREAS, After locating two other parents of children with similar
needs, Sheron Gaspar and the other parents worked together to write a
grant which ultimately resulted in a classroom where they could work
with their child, learning alongside other parents and their children,
while working with professionals; and
WHEREAS, Sheron Gaspar's pursuit resulted in her luminous career at
the Early Childhood Education Center, a small non-profit serving pres-
choolers with disabilities in six counties throughout the Capital
Region; and
WHEREAS, As the Center's Chief Financial Officer for forty years,
Sheron Gaspar has efficiently completed every payroll and signed every
check; her ethical standards have stood the test of New York State
Office of the State Comptroller, New York State Department of Education
Audits as well as multiple other regulators; and
WHEREAS, Sheron Gaspar has provided fine financial management for the
Early Childhood Education Center, but above all, she has advocated for
the vulnerable, and comforted anxious parents; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated individuals such as Sheron Gaspar serve an invalu-
able function in our society, giving voice to the needs of one of the
most vulnerable populations in this society and ensuring that students
with disabilities have full access to the best that New York State has
to offer; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Sheron Gaspar upon the occasion of her retirement after 40 years
of distinguished service to children with disabilities and their fami-
lies on August, 31, 2016, and to wish her continued success in all of
her future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Sheron Gaspar.