J 787: Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Shenendehowa Central School District to be celebrated on May 17, 2025

 Senate Resolution No. 787 BY: Senator TEDISCO COMMEMORATING the 75th Anniversary of the Shenendehowa Central School District to be celebrated on May 17, 2025 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend those institutions of commitment and high achievement whose purpose and endeavor have been dedicated to the 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 75th Anniversary of the Shenendehowa Central School District to be celebrated on Saturday, May 17, 2025; and WHEREAS, The Shenendehowa Central School District was organized on January 14, 1950, by a vote of the residents of 21 former common school districts and one union-free school district; and WHEREAS, These 22 schools, educating children in the towns of Clifton Park, Halfmoon, Malta, Waterford, Ballston, and Stillwater, representing approximately 86 square miles, became officially centralized on July 1, 1950; and WHEREAS, In 1951, the School District voted to purchase 160 acres to build an 1,800-pupil school for kindergarten through grade 12; this land was part of the Shenendahowe or Clifton Park Patent of 1708; and WHEREAS, The Iroquois word "Shenendahowe" means Great Plains, and that is how the district became known as Shenendehowa Central Schools; and WHEREAS, The first meeting of the Trustees of Central School District No. 2, Clifton Park was held at the schoolhouse in Clifton Park; the Trustees were Alice Goddard, Alfred Stiles, Carl Easton, Neil Hesson, Jr., Phillip Morse, C.W. Cyphers, and Ralf Beck; Neil Hesson, Jr., was selected by the Board as the first Board President; and WHEREAS, Shenendehowa's athletic teams are called the Plainsmen, and their mascot is the stallion; they participate in 34 varsity sports through all seasons and currently boast alumni playing in both Major League Baseball and the National Basketball Association; and WHEREAS, With an enrollment of more than 9,500 students, Shenendehowa is the largest School District in Saratoga County and the largest student population in the Suburban Council, an interscholastic athletic consortium of 11 area schools within the region; and WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of its current School Superintendent, Dr. L. Oliver Robinson, the Shenendehowa Central School District's commitment to excellence for all students is unapologetic and unwavering; and WHEREAS, As an impactful way of honoring the legacy of the Shenendehowa Central School District and all that is to come, a grand celebration of its 75th Anniversary of educational excellence will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025; and WHEREAS, The Shenendehowa Central School District has remained steadfast in its mission to work continuously and in partnership with the community to ensure that all students develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, abilities, and character needed to live useful, productive, and rewarding lives; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Shenendehowa Central School District, noting the propriety of its goals, the constancy of its commitment, and the significance of its accomplishments in preparing the youth of today and leaders of tomorrow; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to School Superintendent, Dr. L. Oliver Robinson, and the Members of the Shenendehowa Central School District Board of Education.