Senate Resolution No. 274

BY: Senator JACOBS

CONGRATULATING Orchard Park High School upon the
occasion of being named a National Blue Ribbon
School

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 the Empire State;
and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Orchard Park High School upon the occasion of being named a
National Blue Ribbon School; and

WHEREAS, Designation as a National Blue Ribbon School by the United
States Department of Education is indicative of high level school
standards set in pursuant of excellence; and

WHEREAS, True to its mission to pursue excellence in education for
every scholar, the Orchard Park High School provides all students with a
quality education through a shared partnership among staff, parents and
students; and

WHEREAS, By empowering every pupil to become lifelong learners and
engaged citizens, Orchard Park High School and its faculty are creating
leaders of tomorrow, and their example is a powerful inspiration to
other educators; and

WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of its Principal, Jonathan
Wolf, Orchard Park High School embodies a palpable, warm, and supportive
learning environment; its commitment to a focus on learning and
tradition of excellence is continuous; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, these relationships foster its mission to
establish a culture for learning, ensure high expectations are embedded
in all work habits, and engage all teachers in inquiry-based
professional collaborations that strengthen instructional capacity per
grade level; and

WHEREAS, The students' families at Orchard Park High School share
this strong belief in education that hard work and perseverance, coupled
with a positive outlook and teacher support, is the best recipe for
their child's success in school, both academically and emotionally; and

WHEREAS, As a National Blue Ribbon School, the Orchard Park High
School has been judged to be particularly effective in meeting local,
State and national educational goals; it has also displayed the
qualities of excellence necessary to prepare young people for challenges
of the 21st Century; and

WHEREAS, National Blue Ribbon School status is awarded to schools
which have demonstrated strong leadership; a clear vision and sense of

mission that is shared by all connected with the school; high quality
teaching; a challenging, up-to-date curriculum; policies and practices
which ensure a safe environment conducive to learning; a solid
commitment to parental involvement and evidence that the school helps
all students achieve high standards; and

WHEREAS, The United States Department of Education has designated
329 schools across the country to receive this honor in 2016, placing
Orchard Park High School in an elite bracket of schools; across New York
State, only 20 districts were designated as National Blue Ribbon Schools
for 2016, making Orchard Park High School one of two in their local
area; and

WHEREAS, Orchard Park High School has continually demonstrated an
impressive dedication, an unparalleled devotion and an unremitting
enthusiasm for the quality of educational programs and opportunities
offered for the benefit of its faculty and students as well as the
entire community; and

WHEREAS, The National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence award stands
as a resolute testimony to Orchard Park's standards of excellence, its
uncompromising values, unparalleled dedication, and the special teamwork
of its family of students, parents, teachers and administrators, who
share common goals and uncommon expectations; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Orchard Park High School upon the occasion of being named a
National Blue Ribbon School, noting the significance of its
accomplishment and recognizing the role such effective schools play in
shaping the quality of life in their community, State and Nation; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Principal Jonathan Wolf of Orchard Park High School.