Honor Breeda Connolly Recognition

Senate Resolution No. 4524 BY: Senator GOLDEN HONORING Breeda Connolly upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by Fontbonne Hall Academy on April 21, 2018 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; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Breeda Connolly upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by Fontbonne Hall Academy, to be celebrated at its Diamonds and Pearls 80th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, April 21, 2018, at the El Caribe Country Club, Brooklyn, New York; and WHEREAS, Breeda Connolly grew up in Howard Beach, New York, and attended Our Lady of Grace Grammar School and Stella Maris High School; she currently serves as the Chairperson of Fontbonne's Social Studies Department; and WHEREAS, With a passion for social studies, Breeda Connolly teaches many courses including, US History and Government, AP US History, and Introduction to Child Development; and WHEREAS, Breeda Connolly holds a bachelor's degree in History/Education from Molloy College and a master's degree in Education from C.W. Post; she has also completed the prestigious Gilder Lehrman Summer Institute program at Yale University and studied Biblical Archeology at the Tantur Ecumenical Institute in Israel; and WHEREAS, Having traveled extensively, Breeda Connolly brings her vast experience and artifacts from Europe, the Middle East, and China to the classroom; and WHEREAS, Breeda Connolly's strong belief in Catholic Education goes beyond teaching at Fontbonne Hall Academy; from 2009 to 2014, she served as the Vice Chair of Ave Maria Catholic Academy in Howard Beach; and WHEREAS, In this capacity, Breeda Connolly helped oversee the transition from a parish school to an Academy as part of the Brooklyn Diocese Preserving the Vision campaign to ensure the continued growth of Catholic schools throughout Brooklyn and Queens; and WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her loving family including her 22 nieces and nephews as well as her 23 grand-nieces and nephews, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her many achievements; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Breeda Connolly has displayed throughout her life; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Breeda Connolly upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by Fontbonne Hall Academy on April 21, 2018; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Breeda Connolly.