Honor Linda Schaefer's Retirement

Senate Resolution No. 4398 BY: Senator GOLDEN HONORING Linda Schaefer upon the occasion of her retirement after many years of distinguished service to the Lutheran Elementary School of Bay Ridge WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and recognize those dedicated professionals, who strive to enhance the quality of education for our students, and whose character, accomplishments and community contributions inspire all citizens of this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Linda Schaefer upon the occasion of her retirement after many years of distinguished service to the Lutheran Elementary School of Bay Ridge, to be recognized at its 1957 Prom Celebration on Friday, April 13, 2018, at Gargiulo's Restaurant, Brooklyn, New York; and WHEREAS, The result of many individual efforts, the excellence and the success of the Lutheran Elementary School of Bay Ridge is due in large part to the efforts of Linda Schaefer; and WHEREAS, A member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Linda Schaefer graduated from Wagner College with a degree in early childhood/elementary education; during her college years she worked at Bethlehem's Summer Camp; and WHEREAS, With the dream to become a teacher at the Lutheran Elementary School (LES) of Bay Ridge, Linda Schaefer signed her first contract to teach second grade in June of 1975; and WHEREAS, Linda Schaefer took time off from teaching to raise her three sons, Christopher, Thomas and John, before returning to LES full-time in 1990; and WHEREAS, As a knowledgeable and highly skilled teacher, Linda Schaefer has improved the quality of education at the Lutheran Elementary School of Bay Ridge by leading and supporting staff with enthusiasm, cultivating a positive and stimulating school environment for her students, and creating a greater sense of community; and WHEREAS, A caring, competent and committed leader, Linda Schaefer's character and integrity are the hallmarks of her life and work as an educator, a community volunteer and as a person; and WHEREAS, The Bay Ridge community is indeed fortunate and blessed to have had such a dedicated and respected educational leader; her wisdom and contributions reached into every classroom, truly making a difference in the lives of those lucky enough to have worked with her; and WHEREAS, A significant contributor to education in New York State, Linda Schaefer has continually demonstrated an impressive dedication, an unparalleled devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm for the quality of the educational programs and opportunities offered at the Lutheran Elementary School of Bay Ridge for the benefit of its faculty and students, as well as for the entire community; and WHEREAS, In completing her service as a teacher, Linda Schaefer leaves behind more than mere bricks and mortar; she leaves behind a legacy to the students of the Lutheran Elementary School and to the residents of the Bay Ridge community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Linda Schaefer upon the occasion of her retirement after many years of distinguished service to the Lutheran Elementary School of Bay Ridge; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Linda Schaefer.