J 1098: Welcoming the students, teachers and administrators of the Bronx High School of Science to the Legislative Chambers in Albany, New York on May 28, 2025

 Senate Resolution No. 1098 BY: Senator STAVISKY WELCOMING the students, teachers and administrators of the Bronx High School of Science to the Legislative Chambers in Albany, New York on May 28, 2025, and recognizing the school's historic contributions to education, science, and civic leadership WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to welcome and honor those institutions within the State of New York that have made profound and enduring contributions to the advancement of education, civic engagement, and public service; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to welcome the students, teachers and administrators of the Bronx High School of Science to the Legislative Chambers in Albany, New York on Wednesday, May 28, 2025; and WHEREAS, The Bronx High School of Science was founded in 1938 by resolution of the Department of Education of the City of New York, with Dr. Morris Meister serving as its first principal; the school initially occupied a Gothic building at Creston Avenue and 184th Street, previously home to Walton High School and DeWitt Clinton High School; and WHEREAS, Since its inception with 150 ninth grade and 250 tenth grade students, Bronx Science has grown into one of the most distinguished and respected high schools in the world; in 1946, under the determined leadership of Dr. Meister and the Parents' Association, the school became co-educational; and WHEREAS, The dream of a permanent, modern home for Bronx Science was realized on March 3, 1959, when students and faculty entered a newly constructed facility equipped with cutting-edge laboratories and academic resources; in a testament to the school's spirit, students themselves carried library books from the old building to the new; and WHEREAS, The Bronx High School of Science, frequently cited as the most renowned high school in America, attracts an intellectually gifted student body that is culturally, ethnically, and economically diverse; known as Scienceites, these students are supported by a deeply committed Parents' Association, a generous and engaged Alumni Foundation, and a faculty of exceptional educators who are masters of their craft; and WHEREAS, The school's mission is reflected not only in its rigorous academic programs but in its community spirit and legacy of extraordinary leadership, including: Dr. Morris Meister (1938-1958), Dr. Alexander Taffel (1958-1978), Mr. Milton Kopelman (1978-1990), Mr. Vincent Galasso (1990-1994, 2001), Mr. Stanley Blumenstein '63 (1994-2000), Mr. William Stark (Interim Acting, 2000-2001), Ms. Valerie Reidy (2001-2013), Dr. Jean Donahue '77 (2013-2020), and Ms. Rachel Hoyle (2020-present); and WHEREAS, Bronx Science boasts a globally renowned alumni network that includes nine Nobel Prize winners-more than any other secondary school in the world-alongside nine Pulitzer Prize winners, over 200 Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars, and leaders across every major field of human endeavor; and WHEREAS, Distinguished alumni include: Mark Boal '91, Academy Award-winning screenwriter; Wanda Austin '71, aerospace engineer and national science leader; Jon Cryer '83, actor and producer; Ann Lewnes '79, CMO of Adobe; Millard "Mickey" Drexler '62, CEO of J. Crew; Min Jin Lee '86, acclaimed novelist; Rose Marie Bravo '69, former CEO of Burberry; Joseph Greenaway '74, U.S. Court of Appeals Judge; George Yancopoulos '76, co-founder and CSO of Regeneron; and Dava Sobel '64, best-selling science author; and WHEREAS, The school's impact is particularly felt in New York City institutions such as The New York Times, Columbia University, the New York Public Library, and city planning and education leadership-through alumni like Joseph Lelyveld, Michael Sovern, Anthony Marx, Daniel Libeskind, Harold O. Levy, Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, and Majora Carter; and WHEREAS, The Bronx High School of Science continues to lead in innovation through its IDEAS Initiative, which nurtures students to Imagine, Discover, Engineer, and Apply Solutions to tomorrow's challenges; through its Launch Labs and hands-on experiential learning, this initiative empowers students to design and implement real-world solutions to make the world a better place; and WHEREAS, Complementing its expanded curriculum in Robotics, Engineering, and Computer Science, as well as newly renovated state-of-the-art facilities, Bronx Science is deepening its commitment to experiential education through the growth of the IDEAS Initiative, ensuring students are equipped with the skills and creativity required for the challenges of an increasingly complex and interconnected world; and WHEREAS, As it continues into the 21st century, Bronx Science remains at the forefront of secondary education, preparing new generations of students to lead in the sciences, humanities, and public service with integrity, intellect, and innovation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to welcome the students, teachers and administrators of the Bronx High School of Science to the Legislative Chambers on May 28, 2025, and to commend the school for its extraordinary legacy of academic excellence, civic responsibility, and global impact; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Bronx High School of Science.