LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Rita Velic upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the 2016 5-Diamond Hospitality Award by the
Bensonhurst West End Community Council on May 4, 2016

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors and
community service are an example and inspiration to their colleagues,
friends, and family; and
WHEREAS, It is also 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 this
great State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Rita
Velic upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2016
5-Diamond Hospitality Award by the Bensonhurst West End Community Coun-
cil to be celebrated at its 55th Annual Gala, at El Caribe, Brooklyn,
New York, on Wednesday, May 4, 2016; and
WHEREAS, The daughter of Italian immigrants, Rita Velic was born in
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and was raised in Abruzzi, Italy; at the young
age of 10, she and her family moved to Brooklyn, New York where she
attended PS 253, James J. Reynolds Junior High School which is now known
as the Bay Academy and Lincoln High School in District 21; and
WHEREAS, Rita and her husband, Roger Velic settled in the Midwood
section of Brooklyn, where they raised their three children who attended
elementary school at PS 199; her son went on to attend Rachel Carson
High School where Rita served as its first PTA president; and
WHEREAS, In 1984, Rita Velic began her long career at PS 199 as a
school aide; in 2003, she was promoted to the title of Parent Coordina-
tor, a position she continues to hold today; and
WHEREAS, Known for her incredible work ethic and exemplary communi-
cation skills, Rita Velic is an invaluable asset to the entire communi-
ty; she takes great pride in knowing every student and parent from the
school; and
WHEREAS, In her role as Parent Coordinator, Rita Velic greets students
and parents during morning arrivals, supports parents throughout the
day, and manages the Midwood Development Corporation after school
program; and
WHEREAS, When Rita Velic is not working, she enjoys traveling to
Italy, the Bahamas and Las Vegas with her relatives, and cooking tradi-
tional Italian meals for her large family at home and for her family at
PS 199; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable parent has brought great credit upon herself
by continually demonstrating an impressive dedication, an unparalleled
devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm on behalf of the public school
educational community in Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Rita Velic has stood
constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned the respect
and admiration of the Administration, teachers, and staff of the school
she has been a part of for many years; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Rita Velic upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of

the 2016 5-Diamond Hospitality Award by the Bensonhurst West End Commu-
nity Council; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Rita Velic.