Senate Resolution No. 2055

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Elizabeth Sontz upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Mother of Pearl
Award by the Frank Chapman Memorial Institute, Inc.
on May 13, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those nurses from this great Empire State who have
distinguished themselves through professional excellence and have made
significant contributions to the quality of life of its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Elizabeth Sontz upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
Mother of Pearl Award by the Frank Chapman Memorial Institute, Inc. to
be celebrated at its 9th Annual Extravaganza on Saturday, May 13, 2017,
at the Albany Ramada Plaza Hotel in Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, One of nine children, Elizabeth Sontz, affectionately known
as Beth, was born to Robert and Ann (Prior) Haggerty in Albany; her
loving parents instilled in her the importance of family, faith, and the
love of children; and

WHEREAS, Beth Sontz began her illustrious career in nursing as a
labor and delivery nurse at both Belleview Maternity Hospital and St.
Peter's Hospital; she also worked as a visiting nurse at the Eddy
Visiting Nurse Association; and

WHEREAS, Since September of 1994, Beth Sontz has served as a
registered school nurse in the Albany City School District where she is
assigned to Arbor Hill Elementary School, Hackett Middle School, Philip
Livingston Middle School, the former School 21, Christian Brothers
Academy, Toast, Henry Johnson Charter School, Green Tech High School,
Kipp Primary School, and for the past nine years, Kipp Tech Valley
Middle School and the Abrookin Extended Day Program at Albany High
School; and

WHEREAS, Beth Sontz has genuinely enjoyed each and every assignment,
and has formed lasting friendships with her co-workers, and treasures
the students and families she has met at each school; she is truly
amazed and humbled by the resilience of the children she serves; and

WHEREAS, When Beth Sontz is not working, she enjoys spending time
with her pets; she especially has a fondness for dogs but also loves
hatching ducks and chicks each spring; she is also an avid College
Football Fan, and is especially an enthusiastic fan of the Notre Dame
Fighting Irish; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Michael Sontz;
her three children, Amy (Dustin), Meghan, and Laura (Matt); two
stepsons, Sean and Ryan; and three grandchildren, Quinn, Grace and Owen;
as well as her in-laws, Mary and Ron Sontz, all of whom have shown her
love and support and rejoice in her many achievements; and

WHEREAS, Built upon the proud tradition of caring, the profession of
nursing is dedicated to implementing the best practices to deliver the
highest quality of care to those whom they serve; and

WHEREAS, These exceptional individuals, leaders in their profession,
make a difference in the lives of every one of their patients, as well
as the patients' family members they serve each and every day; they have
truly proven themselves to be great assets to the health and welfare of
the citizens of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, A woman of true integrity, Beth Sontz has served as a
Registered Nurse with distinction, enthusiasm, dedication and honor; for
almost four decades, she has rendered faithful, conscientious and
valuable service to the Capital Region, earning the admiration, esteem
and affection of her colleagues; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Elizabeth Sontz upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the Mother of Pearl Award by the Frank Chapman Memorial Institute,
Inc. on May 13, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Elizabeth Sontz.