Senate Resolution No. 573

BY: Senator LITTLE

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of Chazy
Central Rural School on October 22, 2016

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 this noble Empire
State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Chazy Central Rural School, to be
celebrated at an Open House and Centennial Recognition Ceremony on
Saturday, October 22, 2016, at Chazy Central Rural School, Chazy, New
York; and

WHEREAS, Chazy Central Rural School (CCRS) is the first centralized
rural school district in the United States, and on the occasion of its
100th Anniversary, the residents, school officials, parents, faculty and
students take just pride in its history and quality in leadership,
teaching, achievement and community support; and

WHEREAS, In the fall of 1916, children attended inaugural classes at
a five-story school building, located in Chazy, New York; funded by
William H. Miner, the building boasted a bell tower, two swimming pools
and marble-topped cafeteria tables; and

WHEREAS, Over the years, CCRS consolidated 11 rural institutions
with the intention of giving students all educational advantages to be
obtained in any city school system; and

WHEREAS, In December of 1968, a new school opened which had been
built around the old school, and eventually, the original grand
structure was demolished; CCRS remains at the heart of its community and
continues to embrace its founding mission; and

WHEREAS, For nearly a year and a half, a committee of volunteers has
been planning the Centennial festivities and collecting artifacts
spanning the school's entire history which will be on display throughout
the building for the public gathering; and

WHEREAS, Among the relics collected are items from the original
school including report cards, the hour hand from the clock on the bell
tower, yearbooks, Class Day programs, old gym, cheerleading and band
uniforms, school-provided swimsuits as well as a century's worth of
photographs; and

WHEREAS, A scale model of the original building was created for the
Centennial celebration as well as a school timeline posted in the
hallway marking school events and world events taking place at the same
time; the school also plans to preview the film, "The Pioneer of Rural
Schools," a historical perspective on the importance of the Chazy
Central Rural School District; and


WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of Superintendent of Schools,
John Fairchild, CCRS remains committed to providing children with the
foundation to be successful students, to provide children with the
confidence to ask questions, and to instill in children the compassion
and inspiration to make a difference; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is very pleased to have this
opportunity to salute CCRS for its long history of purposeful endeavor
which has greatly benefited the community of Chazy, New York, and to
wish this worthy organization continued success in future years; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Chazy Central Rural School; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to John Fairchild, Superintendent, Chazy Central Rural
School.