Honor Chazy School's Centennial

Senate Resolution No. 573 BY: Senator LITTLE COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of Chazy Central Rural School on October 22, 2016 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 this noble Empire State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Chazy Central Rural School, to be celebrated at an Open House and Centennial Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, October 22, 2016, at Chazy Central Rural School, Chazy, New York; and WHEREAS, Chazy Central Rural School (CCRS) is the first centralized rural school district in the United States, and on the occasion of its 100th Anniversary, the residents, school officials, parents, faculty and students take just pride in its history and quality in leadership, teaching, achievement and community support; and WHEREAS, In the fall of 1916, children attended inaugural classes at a five-story school building, located in Chazy, New York; funded by William H. Miner, the building boasted a bell tower, two swimming pools and marble-topped cafeteria tables; and WHEREAS, Over the years, CCRS consolidated 11 rural institutions with the intention of giving students all educational advantages to be obtained in any city school system; and WHEREAS, In December of 1968, a new school opened which had been built around the old school, and eventually, the original grand structure was demolished; CCRS remains at the heart of its community and continues to embrace its founding mission; and WHEREAS, For nearly a year and a half, a committee of volunteers has been planning the Centennial festivities and collecting artifacts spanning the school's entire history which will be on display throughout the building for the public gathering; and WHEREAS, Among the relics collected are items from the original school including report cards, the hour hand from the clock on the bell tower, yearbooks, Class Day programs, old gym, cheerleading and band uniforms, school-provided swimsuits as well as a century's worth of photographs; and WHEREAS, A scale model of the original building was created for the Centennial celebration as well as a school timeline posted in the hallway marking school events and world events taking place at the same time; the school also plans to preview the film, "The Pioneer of Rural Schools," a historical perspective on the importance of the Chazy Central Rural School District; and WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of Superintendent of Schools, John Fairchild, CCRS remains committed to providing children with the foundation to be successful students, to provide children with the confidence to ask questions, and to instill in children the compassion and inspiration to make a difference; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is very pleased to have this opportunity to salute CCRS for its long history of purposeful endeavor which has greatly benefited the community of Chazy, New York, and to wish this worthy organization continued success in future years; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Chazy Central Rural School; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to John Fairchild, Superintendent, Chazy Central Rural School.