Senate Resolution No. 5700

BY: Senator GOLDEN

HONORING Dianne Cattrano upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Children's Champion
Award by HeartShare Human Services of New York

WHEREAS, Individuals and organizations devoted to improving the
quality of life for others, enabling them to build lives of dignity and
self-worth are deserving of the highest praise and recognition; and

WHEREAS, From time to time, society calls upon these individuals and
organizations to be recognized for the significance of their
contributions and efforts to assist others in developing the skills
necessary to be successful, productive citizens; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dianne
Cattrano upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
Children's Champion Award by HeartShare Human Services of New York,
celebrated at its 29th Annual Education Services Dinner Dance on
Thursday, May 31, 2018, at Russo's On the Bay, Howard Beach, New York;
and

WHEREAS, The Children's Champion Award is presented to an individual
who has demonstrated a loving concern for and sincere commitment to the
care, education and personal development and well-being of the children
entrusted to the dedicated professionals of HeartShare's Education
Services programs; Dianne Cattrano is one such individual; and

WHEREAS, Director of HeartShare's Cuomo First Step Early Childhood
Center in Richmond Hill, Queens, Dianne Cattrano has always been at the
forefront of early education, striving to educate herself and those
around her; and

WHEREAS, Dianne Cattrano implemented the school's behavioral and
support curriculum, and has gone above and beyond in hosting special
events, including an annual Art Show, Literacy Day and Family Day;
additionally, she founded the annual Autism March, where the children
and their families demonstrate their pride during the month of April;
and

WHEREAS, Whether it's applying for a KaBOOM! playground or
advocating in Albany, Dianne Cattrano is tireless in securing resources
for her students; and

WHEREAS, Dianne Cattrano began her illustrious career with
HeartShare Human Services of New York as an Infant/Toddler Home Base
Teacher; she returned to school for her graduate degree and upon
completion of her School Building Leadership Program, she was promoted
to Director, the esteemed position she continues to hold today; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her
profession, Dianne Cattrano is Co-Chair of the Queens Developmental
Disabilities Council, which organizes an annual Family Support Fair for
parents and families, as well as a Legislative Breakfast, which engages

elected officials and policymakers on the budgetary needs for special
education; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, this extraordinary woman is a member of the
InterAgency Council (IAC), an advocacy membership organization for
providers of developmental disabilities services; she also actively
participates in Pre-K for All Symposiums, bringing back best practices
from the City and State to her teachers and staff; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Dianne Cattrano has displayed
throughout her life; and

WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body
to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their
commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent
of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to
Dianne Cattrano, that future generations may know and appreciate her
admirable character, her many benevolent deeds, and the respect and
esteem in which she is held by her peers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dianne Cattrano upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the Children's Champion Award by HeartShare Human Services of New
York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dianne Cattrano.