Honor Retiring School Principal

Senate Resolution No. 4473 BY: Senator JACOBS HONORING Dawn Riggie upon the occasion of her retirement after 25 years of distinguished service as Principal of Mount St. Mary Academy 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 Dawn Riggie upon the occasion of her retirement after 25 years of distinguished service as Principal of Mount St. Mary Academy; and WHEREAS, The result of many individual efforts, the excellence and the success of Mount St. Mary Academy is due in large part to the efforts of Dawn Riggie; and WHEREAS, A true inspiration and mentor, Dawn Riggie has served as Principal of Mount St. Mary Academy in the Town of Tonawanda for the past 25 years; and WHEREAS, In this capacity, Dawn Riggie introduced honors, advanced placement and dual enrollment courses, and supported development of an award-winning entrepreneurship program; she also created a full instrumental music program, New York State's only all-girls marching band, golf and lacrosse teams, as well as a varsity and novice crew program; and WHEREAS, Additionally, she expanded the school's technology, building a fully-networked campus, an iPad program and a STEAM program; and WHEREAS, As a knowledgeable and highly skilled principal, Dawn Riggie has improved the quality of education at Mount St. Mary Academy 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, Dawn Riggie is renowned for her dedication and loyalty, and as a direct result of her tireless efforts, Mount St. Mary Academy is strong and well-positioned to continue to thrive and grow; and WHEREAS, A caring, competent and committed leader, Dawn Riggie's character and integrity are the hallmarks of her life and work as an educational leader, a community volunteer and as a person; and WHEREAS, The Tonawanda 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, Dawn Riggie has continually demonstrated an impressive dedication, an unparalleled devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm for the quality of the educational programs and opportunities offered at Mount St. Mary Academy of Kenmore for the benefit of its faculty and students, as well as for the entire community; and WHEREAS, In completing her service as principal, Dawn Riggie leaves behind more than mere bricks and mortar; she leaves behind a legacy to the students of Mount St. Mary Academy and to the residents of the Kenmore community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Dawn Riggie upon the occasion of her retirement after 25 years of distinguished service as Principal of Mount St. Mary Academy; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Dawn Riggie.