Senate Resolution No. 4398

BY: Senator GOLDEN

HONORING Linda Schaefer upon the occasion of her
retirement after many years of distinguished service
to the Lutheran Elementary School of Bay Ridge

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and
recognize those dedicated professionals, who strive to enhance the
quality of education for our students, and whose character,
accomplishments and community contributions inspire all citizens of this
great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Linda Schaefer upon the occasion of her retirement after many years of
distinguished service to the Lutheran Elementary School of Bay Ridge, to
be recognized at its 1957 Prom Celebration on Friday, April 13, 2018, at
Gargiulo's Restaurant, Brooklyn, New York; and

WHEREAS, The result of many individual efforts, the excellence and
the success of the Lutheran Elementary School of Bay Ridge is due in
large part to the efforts of Linda Schaefer; and

WHEREAS, A member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Linda Schaefer
graduated from Wagner College with a degree in early
childhood/elementary education; during her college years she worked at
Bethlehem's Summer Camp; and

WHEREAS, With the dream to become a teacher at the Lutheran
Elementary School (LES) of Bay Ridge, Linda Schaefer signed her first
contract to teach second grade in June of 1975; and

WHEREAS, Linda Schaefer took time off from teaching to raise her
three sons, Christopher, Thomas and John, before returning to LES
full-time in 1990; and

WHEREAS, As a knowledgeable and highly skilled teacher, Linda
Schaefer has improved the quality of education at the Lutheran
Elementary School of Bay Ridge by leading and supporting staff with
enthusiasm, cultivating a positive and stimulating school environment
for her students, and creating a greater sense of community; and

WHEREAS, A caring, competent and committed leader, Linda Schaefer's
character and integrity are the hallmarks of her life and work as an
educator, a community volunteer and as a person; and

WHEREAS, The Bay Ridge community is indeed fortunate and blessed to
have had such a dedicated and respected educational leader; her wisdom
and contributions reached into every classroom, truly making a
difference in the lives of those lucky enough to have worked with her;
and

WHEREAS, A significant contributor to education in New York State,
Linda Schaefer has continually demonstrated an impressive dedication, an
unparalleled devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm for the quality of

the educational programs and opportunities offered at the Lutheran
Elementary School of Bay Ridge for the benefit of its faculty and
students, as well as for the entire community; and

WHEREAS, In completing her service as a teacher, Linda Schaefer
leaves behind more than mere bricks and mortar; she leaves behind a
legacy to the students of the Lutheran Elementary School and to the
residents of the Bay Ridge community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Linda Schaefer upon the occasion of her retirement after many
years of distinguished service to the Lutheran Elementary School of Bay
Ridge; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Linda Schaefer.