LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Michael Cosmai upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the 2016 Man of the Year 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
Michael Cosmai upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
2016 Man of the Year Award by the Bensonhurst West End Community Council
to be celebrated at its 55th Annual Gala, at El Caribe, Brooklyn, New
York, on Wednesday, May 4, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Michael Cosmai was
inspired by his nurturing teachers in Districts 21 and 22 in Brooklyn to
become an educator; and
WHEREAS, After graduating from Nazareth Regional High School, Michael
Cosmai studied sound engineering at the Institute of Audio Research; he
worked as a recording engineer at Sound Ideas Recording Studios in New
York City throughout the mid-1980s and was fortunate enough to work with
major recording artists both in the recording studio and on the road at
live performances; and
WHEREAS, In 1990, Michael Cosmai earned his bachelor's degree in
History, with a minor in German language from Brooklyn College; he then
furthered his education by obtaining his master's degree four years
later; and
WHEREAS, Michael Cosmai began his illustrious teaching career at Eras-
mus Hall High School; in 1991, he transferred to I. S. 303 in District
21, where he taught Social Studies, Computer Science and Digital Photog-
raphy; at the encouragement of his principal, he returned to school to
earn his School Administration Certification; and
WHEREAS, In 2001, Michael Cosmai was selected to be a member of the
SMART Team, which was the district's team of technology staff develop-
ers; in this capacity, he had the opportunity to work at every school in
the district and collaborate with a diverse array of educators; and
WHEREAS, From 2004-2014, Michael Cosmai held the title of Assistant
Principal at P.S. 225; in this role, he honed his skills in curriculum
and instruction, data analysis and personal leadership and built a
community of trust and collaboration within one of most diverse student
populations in New York City; and
WHEREAS, In 2014, Michael Cosmai accepted the esteemed position of
Principal of P.S. 225; throughout his tenure, he has implemented new
instructional initiatives, such as the Teachers College Units of Study
in Writing, provided his teachers with the necessary support to meet the
increasing challenges that teachers face each day, and increased the
school's commitment to the arts through student musical performances and
murals on display throughout the school; and

WHEREAS, When Michael Cosmai is not at work, he enjoys traveling with
his family, and re-energizing himself by performing as a musician as
well as building and repairing guitars; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his supportive wife, Tricia,
and his two sons, Matthew and Christopher, all of whom feel privileged
to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Principal Michael Cosmai and his dedicated staff continue to
build a collaborative professional learning community, committed to
providing a rigorous and supportive learning environment for all of the
students that the school serves; and
WHEREAS, Michael Cosmai has brought great credit upon himself by
continually demonstrating an impressive dedication, an unparalleled
devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm for the quality of the educa-
tional programs and opportunities offered at the schools where he has
served; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his professional service, a
period of constructive involvement, Michael Cosmai has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned the respect and admiration
of his colleagues, family and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Michael Cosmai upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the 2016 Man of the Year Award by the Bensonhurst West End Community
Council; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Michael Cosmai.