Honor Nurse Elizabeth Sontz

Senate Resolution No. 2055 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING Elizabeth Sontz upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Mother of Pearl Award by the Frank Chapman Memorial Institute, Inc. on May 13, 2017 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to those nurses from this great Empire State who have distinguished themselves through professional excellence and have made significant contributions to the quality of life of its citizenry; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Elizabeth Sontz upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Mother of Pearl Award by the Frank Chapman Memorial Institute, Inc. to be celebrated at its 9th Annual Extravaganza on Saturday, May 13, 2017, at the Albany Ramada Plaza Hotel in Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, One of nine children, Elizabeth Sontz, affectionately known as Beth, was born to Robert and Ann (Prior) Haggerty in Albany; her loving parents instilled in her the importance of family, faith, and the love of children; and WHEREAS, Beth Sontz began her illustrious career in nursing as a labor and delivery nurse at both Belleview Maternity Hospital and St. Peter's Hospital; she also worked as a visiting nurse at the Eddy Visiting Nurse Association; and WHEREAS, Since September of 1994, Beth Sontz has served as a registered school nurse in the Albany City School District where she is assigned to Arbor Hill Elementary School, Hackett Middle School, Philip Livingston Middle School, the former School 21, Christian Brothers Academy, Toast, Henry Johnson Charter School, Green Tech High School, Kipp Primary School, and for the past nine years, Kipp Tech Valley Middle School and the Abrookin Extended Day Program at Albany High School; and WHEREAS, Beth Sontz has genuinely enjoyed each and every assignment, and has formed lasting friendships with her co-workers, and treasures the students and families she has met at each school; she is truly amazed and humbled by the resilience of the children she serves; and WHEREAS, When Beth Sontz is not working, she enjoys spending time with her pets; she especially has a fondness for dogs but also loves hatching ducks and chicks each spring; she is also an avid College Football Fan, and is especially an enthusiastic fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish; and WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Michael Sontz; her three children, Amy (Dustin), Meghan, and Laura (Matt); two stepsons, Sean and Ryan; and three grandchildren, Quinn, Grace and Owen; as well as her in-laws, Mary and Ron Sontz, all of whom have shown her love and support and rejoice in her many achievements; and WHEREAS, Built upon the proud tradition of caring, the profession of nursing is dedicated to implementing the best practices to deliver the highest quality of care to those whom they serve; and WHEREAS, These exceptional individuals, leaders in their profession, make a difference in the lives of every one of their patients, as well as the patients' family members they serve each and every day; they have truly proven themselves to be great assets to the health and welfare of the citizens of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, A woman of true integrity, Beth Sontz has served as a Registered Nurse with distinction, enthusiasm, dedication and honor; for almost four decades, she has rendered faithful, conscientious and valuable service to the Capital Region, earning the admiration, esteem and affection of her colleagues; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Elizabeth Sontz upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Mother of Pearl Award by the Frank Chapman Memorial Institute, Inc. on May 13, 2017; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Elizabeth Sontz.