LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Matthew A. Rozell upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the 2015 Louis E. Yavner Teaching Award
by the New York State Board of Regents on May 17, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the efforts
of those individuals in the teaching profession who distinguish them-
selves in their dedication and commitment to their students; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Matthew A. Rozell upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the 2015 Louis E. Yavner Teaching Award by the New York State Board of
Regents celebrated at an Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, May 17, 2016; and
WHEREAS, This prestigious award, named after long-time Board of
Regents member Louis E. Yavner, is bestowed upon Matthew A. Rozell for
his outstanding contributions to teaching about the Holocaust and other
violations of human rights; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Hudson Falls High School, Matthew A. Rozell has
been a Social Studies Teacher at his alma mater for almost 30 years; and
WHEREAS, As part of a class project, Matthew A. Rozell instructed his
students to interview residents who had served in World War II; the
information gathered, was posted on his "World War II Living History
Project" website, which he launched 15 years ago; and
WHEREAS, Through the photographs and information posted there, people
have recognized themselves or family members and connections have been
made between survivors and the soldiers who rescued them; and
WHEREAS, Matthew A. Rozell organized three events at Hudson Falls High
School in which more than 300 Holocaust survivors and soldiers were
reunited, some meeting for the first time since World War II; this
historic event drew interest from the United States Holocaust Memorial
Museum and was featured on "ABC World News" which named this inspiration
teacher Rozell and his students as its "Persons of the Week"; and
WHEREAS, These incredible events gave the entire student body an
opportunity to hear and speak with both survivors and liberators; and
WHEREAS, Believing in the power of teaching, the importance of the
study of History, and especially the lessons people must learn, and
teach, on the Holocaust, Matthew A. Rozell has encouraged a sense of
responsibility as global citizens to his students, inspiring them to
endeavor to make a difference in the lives of others; and
WHEREAS, Well-respected and admired by many, Matthew A. Rozell contin-
ually works to follow his own advice and make the world a better place
by reviving the history of the Holocaust and other human rights atroci-
ties; and
WHEREAS, By resurrecting the greatest injustices in human history,
Matthew A. Rozell's lessons convey the importance of striving for social
justice; throughout the last five years, he has shared his knowledge
about the Holocaust and human rights in local, national and interna-
tional forums; and
WHEREAS, A true humanitarian, Matthew A. Rozell maintains a blog about
the importance of history education and has written a book about the
untold stories of soldiers who fought in the Pacific Theater, entitled
THE THINGS OUR FATHERS SAW; and
WHEREAS, In addition to the 2015 Louis E. Yavner Teaching Award,
Matthew A. Rozell has been the recipient of the United States Holocaust
Memorial Museum Fellowship, the SUNY Geneseo Alumni Educator Excellence
Award, and the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revo-
lution Founders' Medal for Education; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his career thus far, Matthew A. Rozell has brought
an uncompromising standard of excellence to his work and a warm sense of
caring and concern to every young person he educates; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to recognize Matthew A. Rozell
for the courage and fortitude he has displayed throughout his life; for
his ceaseless work against hate and prejudice, he has benefited the
world in immeasurable ways; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Matthew A. Rozell upon the occasion of his designation as recipi-
ent of the 2015 Louis E. Yavner Teaching Award by the New York State
Board of Regents, and to wish him continued success in all his future
endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Matthew A. Rozell.