Honor Clarence High Business Program

March 2, 2017 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend those institutions of true purpose and high achievement whose exemplary programs and accomplishments clearly demonstrate an enduring pursuit of excellence in the education of the youth of the Empire State; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor The Clarence High School Academy of Business and Finance upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the 2017 Organization of the Year Award by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce, to be celebrated at its 45th Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, March 2, 2017, at Samuel's Grande Manor, in Williamsville, New York; and WHEREAS, For over six years, The Clarence High School (CHS) Academy of Business and Finance has strived to partner with businesses in its community to provide students with extended learning experiences to support their learning and development of critical skills needed for today's workplace; and WHEREAS, The success of The CHS Academy of Business and Finance is in direct correlation to the efforts of its school administrators, educators, business partners, college representatives and students, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors; and WHEREAS, Since its inception in October 2010, the CHS Academy program and its Business Advisory Board has grown the program exponentially; student enrollment has increased to approximately 156 students; and WHEREAS, The local business community has enhanced the program by providing guest speakers, field trips, scholarships, donations, career coaching, mock interviews, and support for the classroom; the group provided paid internships for over 40 students last year, with an even larger number ready to take on interns this year; and WHEREAS, During the current school year, 70 local business partners met with students for the first of two sessions, acting as coaches and mentors, while another 20 volunteers provided students with a mock interview experience; and WHEREAS, In addition to the support from local businesses, the Clarence Rotarians and the Clarence Chamber of Commerce have shown a strong commitment to the program in every single work-based learning initiative; and WHEREAS, The symbiotic partnership between the CHS Academy of Business and Finance and the local business community has created an exemplary formula of success for its students and the residents of Clarence; and WHEREAS, Those business organizations which seek to enhance the education of Clarence students help to provide them with a solid knowledge base upon which to make them "Future Ready"; and WHEREAS, The Clarence High School Academy of Business and Finance has been an integral part of the history of its community, representing a dynamic, responsive and positive force within the educational system of New York State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor The Clarence High School Academy of Business and Finance upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the 2017 Organization of the Year Award by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Clarence High School Academy of Business and Finance.