Senate Resolution No. 509

BY: Senator RANZENHOFER

HONORING The Clarence High School Academy of
Business and Finance upon the occasion of its
designation as recipient of the Organization of the
Year Award by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce on
March 2, 2017

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 accomplishments clearly demonstrate an enduring
pursuit of excellence in the education of the youth of the Empire State;
and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor The Clarence
High School Academy of Business and Finance upon the occasion of its
designation as recipient of the 2017 Organization of the Year Award by
the Clarence Chamber of Commerce, to be celebrated at its 45th Annual
Awards Dinner on Thursday, March 2, 2017, at Samuel's Grande Manor, in
Williamsville, New York; and

WHEREAS, For over six years, The Clarence High School (CHS) Academy
of Business and Finance has strived to partner with businesses in its
community to provide students with extended learning experiences to
support their learning and development of critical skills needed for
today's workplace; and

WHEREAS, The success of The CHS Academy of Business and Finance is
in direct correlation to the efforts of its school administrators,
educators, business partners, college representatives and students,
whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an
impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising
standard of excellence in all endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception in October 2010, the CHS Academy
program and its Business Advisory Board has grown the program
exponentially; student enrollment has increased to approximately 156
students; and

WHEREAS, The local business community has enhanced the program by
providing guest speakers, field trips, scholarships, donations, career
coaching, mock interviews, and support for the classroom; the group
provided paid internships for over 40 students last year, with an even
larger number ready to take on interns this year; and

WHEREAS, During the current school year, 70 local business partners
met with students for the first of two sessions, acting as coaches and
mentors, while another 20 volunteers provided students with a mock
interview experience; and

WHEREAS, In addition to the support from local businesses, the
Clarence Rotarians and the Clarence Chamber of Commerce have shown a
strong commitment to the program in every single work-based learning
initiative; and

WHEREAS, The symbiotic partnership between the CHS Academy of
Business and Finance and the local business community has created an
exemplary formula of success for its students and the residents of
Clarence; and

WHEREAS, Those business organizations which seek to enhance the
education of Clarence students help to provide them with a solid
knowledge base upon which to make them "Future Ready"; and

WHEREAS, The Clarence High School Academy of Business and Finance
has been an integral part of the history of its community, representing
a dynamic, responsive and positive force within the educational system
of New York State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor The Clarence High School Academy of Business and Finance upon the
occasion of its designation as recipient of the 2017 Organization of the
Year Award by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Clarence High School Academy of Business and Finance.