LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Sister Shirley Sharifa Dye upon the
occasion of her designation for special recognition by the Clara Muham-
mad School of Queens and the CMS Consultant Board

WHEREAS, A great community is only as great as those persons that
provide exemplary service, whether through participation in voluntary
programs, through unique personal achievement in their profession or
other endeavors, or simply through a lifetime of good citizenship; and
WHEREAS, Sister Shirley Sharifa Dye has given not only of her time and
energies but also of her competence, intelligence and leadership and
consequently has been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Sister Shir-
ley Sharifa Dye upon the occasion of her designation for special recog-
nition by the Clara Muhammad School of Queens and the CMS Consultant
Board, to be celebrated at its 2nd Annual Awards Dinner; and
WHEREAS, Sister Shirley Sharifa Dye has been called upon to contribute
her time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has
always given of herself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, A person of great compassion, Sister Shirley Sharifa Dye is
dedicated to improving education, and advocating for social and poli-
tical justice; and
WHEREAS, Sister Shirley Sharifa Dye graduated from high school at the
young age of 15; she then went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in
both Early Childhood and Elementary Education from the State University
of New York (SUNY) at Old Westbury; and
WHEREAS, Sister Shirley Sharifa Dye furthered her education by receiv-
ing a Master's degree and a PhD in Education Administration at American
Century University, San Jose, California; and
WHEREAS, Sister Shirley Sharifa Dye married Joseph Dye and together
they enjoyed 37 years of marriage before his passing; and
WHEREAS, As a former New York State Representative to the Department
of Islamic Education for the Clara Muhammad School system of the North
East Region, Sister Shirley Sharifa Dye has lectured extensively and
conducted numerous workshops in several states; and
WHEREAS, Sister Shirley Sharifa Dye is the co-founder of the Child
Creative Educational Center at SUNY Old Westbury; for 20 years, she
served as the Supervisor of Student Teachers Founder of Colleges for
You, mentoring and taking students on interfaith tours and assisting
them in the process of getting into college; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Sister Shirley Sharifa Dye is the co-founder of
the You Can Go To College Committee; and
WHEREAS, Today, Sister Shirley Sharifa Dye holds the esteemed position
of Principal at the Clara Muhammad School of Queens; she strives to
provide a valuable Islamic education to all her students; and
WHEREAS, Sister Shirley Sharifa Dye has been the recipient of numerous
awards and accolades for her dedicated service to her students, parents,
and the community, including being named the Woman of the Year by the
Mosque Cares Ministry of Imam W. Deen Mohammed; she was also nominated
several times for Who's Who of Teachers; and
WHEREAS, An active member of her society, Sister Shirley Sharifa Dye
volunteers at the Departments of Social Service, Welfare, and
Corrections; she also works for Foster Care Advocating for Children,
making referrals and trying to keep families together during times of
crisis; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Sister Shirley Sharifa Dye has stood
constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her two sons, and a granddaugh-
ter, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in
her achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Sister Shirley Sharifa Dye has
displayed throughout her life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Sister Shirley Sharifa Dye upon the occasion of her designation
for special recognition by the Clara Muhammad School of Queens and the
CMS Consultant Board; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Sister Shirley Sharifa Dye.