Honor Patrice Edison’s Retirement

Senate Resolution No. 5496 BY: Senator GOLDEN COMMENDING Patrice Edison upon the occasion of her retirement after many years of dedicated service to P.S. 264, Bay Ridge Elementary School for the Arts WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled; its history and stature are secured by the superlative caliber of its educational professionals and the students they inspire; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the significant milestones in the distinguished careers of those outstanding educational leaders, whose dedication and achievements have been instrumental in developing character and academic excellence in the young people of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Patrice Edison upon the occasion of her retirement after many years of dedicated service to P.S. 264, Bay Ridge Elementary School for the Arts; and WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion will be feted with a Retirement Party held in her honor on Friday, June 22, 2018, at the Fort Hamilton Army Base Community Club in Brooklyn, New York; and WHEREAS, The daughter of a visual artist and a high school English teacher, Patrice Edison grew up surrounded by artists and educators; as a member of the All City Chorus and Concert Choir in both high school and college, she performed on all the illustrious stages of New York City including Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall and Lincoln Center; and WHEREAS, In addition, Patrice Edison had the opportunity to sing with many of the greats in the worlds of jazz and classical music, such as Dizzy Gillespie, Valerie Capers, William Warfield and Camilla Williams; and WHEREAS, Patrice Edison began her long and distinguished career as an educator, teaching in three different school communities in Brooklyn; after 15 years in the classroom, she was appointed as the Assistant Principal of PS/IS 104's Early Childhood Center; and WHEREAS, Seven years later, Patrice Edison wrote the proposal to open P.S. 264 to meet the need for additional elementary school seats in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn; since then, Patrice has held the title of Principal of P.S. 264, Bay Ridge Elementary School for the Arts, the position from which she will officially retire in June of 2018; and WHEREAS, Patrice Edison founded P.S. 264 with a vision of giving children the opportunity to express themselves through a variety of arts experiences, develop their self-confidence and give them a well-rounded education; and WHEREAS, The success of P.S. 264 is in direct correlation to the efforts of its staff, students and their families, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the institution and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband of 38 years, their three children, and three grandchildren, all of whom have shown her love and support and rejoice in her many achievements; and WHEREAS, Patrice Edison's loyalty to P.S. 264, Bay Ridge Elementary School for the Arts and to her staff is truly admirable; all who have had the privilege to work with her through the years have known her to be an honest and hard-working Teacher and Principal who always made the needs and concerns of her students her top priority; and WHEREAS, The driving force behind Patrice Edison's commitment to public education is her belief that all children have the potential to do great things if given the opportunity; she prides herself on creating an educational environment where students come first and expectations are high; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Patrice Edison upon the occasion of her retirement after many years of dedicated service to P.S. 264, Bay Ridge Elementary School for the Arts, and to wish her continued success in all her future endeavors; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Patrice Edison.