LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating the Eagle Academy Foundation and
the Eagle Academy for Young Men of The Bronx for academic excellence

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those institutions of true purpose and high achievement whose
exemplary programs and accomplishment clearly demonstrate an enduring
pursuit of excellence in the education of the youth of this great Empire
State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late the Eagle Academy Foundation and the Eagle Academy for Young Men of
The Bronx for academic excellence; and
WHEREAS, The Eagle Academy Foundation develops and supports a network
of all male, grades 6 through 12, college-preparatory schools in chal-
lenged, urban communities that educate and mentor young men of color
into future leaders committed to excellence in character, scholastic
achievement and community service, and to promote these principles
nationally; and
WHEREAS, Each Eagle Academy features parental engagement, academic
rigor, college prep, extended day and Saturday programs, rituals, summer
programs and mentoring, all of which are supported by the Eagle Academy
Foundation; and
WHEREAS, Across the Eagle network, the six Eagle Academies serve more
than 2,300 scholars in all five boroughs of New York City and Newark,
New Jersey; remaining true to its mission, the Eagle Academies develop
young men committed to the pursuit of academic excellence, strong char-
acter and responsible leadership; and
WHEREAS, For the 2014-2015 school year, the Eagle Academy Network
graduation rate for African American and Latino males is 83% compared to
53% in New York City and 59% nationally; 98% of Eagle Bronx graduates
were accepted into college during that school year; and
WHEREAS, The Eagle Academy Foundation is led by the phenomenal vision-
ary and leader, David C. Banks, and Eagle Academy for Young Men of The
Bronx is under the direction of Principal Hector Valazquez; these two
leaders show the young scholars they can excel and thrive despite their
economic backgrounds when they "see themselves as eagles, with strength,
courage, vision, and power. They aspire to the highest ideals."; and
WHEREAS, The Eagle Academy Foundation empowers at-risk inner city
young men to become academic achievers, engaged citizens, and responsi-
ble men by providing quality education resources and proven effective
community-based initiatives to address the shortfalls in public educa-
tion to effectively educate them; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
Eagle Academy for Young Men of The Bronx, noting the importance of its
work and its worthy commitment to the youth of New York State; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the Eagle Academy Foundation and the Eagle Academy for
Young Men of The Bronx for academic excellence; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to David C. Banks and Principal Hector Valazquez.