Senate Resolution No. 435

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Kathryn Peterson upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the 2016 Empire State
Excellence in Teaching Award

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant accomplishments in the distinguished careers of those
outstanding educational leaders, whose dedication and achievements have
been instrumental in developing character and academic excellence in the
young people of New York State; and

WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled;
its history and stature are secured by the superlative caliber of its
educational professionals and the students they inspire; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Kathryn
Peterson upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2016
Empire State Excellence in Teaching Award; and

WHEREAS, The future success of our State and Nation is dependent
upon individuals such as Kathryn Peterson, who dedicate their lives as
educators, nurturing our most precious resource, our youth; and

WHEREAS, Kathryn Peterson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social
Studies/Secondary Education from the College of Saint Rose in 1992; she
went on to graduate magna cum laude with a Master of Science degree in
Education in August of 2002; and

WHEREAS, An eighth grade American History teacher in the North
Colonie Central School District, Kathryn Peterson covers content from
the Post Reconstruction Era to Modern Day America; she has been at the
forefront in the application of diverse experiences and opportunities
within her classroom; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering dedication to her
profession, Kathryn Peterson has participated in four Landmarks of
American History and Culture Programs offered by the National Endowment
for the Humanities; and

WHEREAS, Kathryn Peterson has continuously shared her knowledge,
materials, resources, and strategies with educator colleagues, an
impressive professional characteristic which she demonstrates regularly;
she has presented several times at the New York State Middle Schools
Association annual conferences on such diverse topics as technology
integration in the classroom and the evolution of Eleanor Roosevelt; and

WHEREAS, A member of the district's Social Studies Steering
Committee, Kathryn Peterson also advises the research-based club, "A
Call to Action," which is part of the National Park Service at Hyde
Park; in addition, she is co-advisor of the History Club and advisor of
the Community Service Club, making dog blankets for a local animal
rescue; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her illustrious 16-year tenure with the North
Colonie Central School District, Kathryn Peterson's assessments have
been stellar; she is truly in the high echelons of effectiveness and
creativity in her instruction, which has led to great success among her
students; and

WHEREAS, Kathryn Peterson has been instrumental in the collaboration
between Shaker Junior High School and the National Park Service; over
the years, this affiliation has provided many opportunities for students
to work at both the FDR Museum and National Park in Hyde Park, New York;
and

WHEREAS, A role model educator, Kathryn Peterson has brought her
considerable expertise to the world of social studies instruction; she
is a leader in the school's department and continues to share her
knowledge and resources on a wider stage; and

WHEREAS, Educators like Kathryn Peterson provide a tremendous
service to the future of our State and Nation, inspiring generations of
young people in their educational journeys and ensuring their success in
their future years; and

WHEREAS, A significant contributor to education in New York State,
Kathryn Peterson clearly has an enduring impact on the youth of the
North Colonie Central School District, as well as on the
community-at-large, and accordingly merits recognition and applause for
her impressive dedication to others; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her career thus far, Kathryn Peterson has
brought an uncompromising standard of excellence to her work and a warm
sense of caring and concern to every young person she educates; and

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those individuals who work to support our proud tradition of
public education by providing their skills and talents to our schools;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Kathryn Peterson upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the 2016 Empire State Excellence in Teaching Award; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Kathryn Peterson.