Honor Retiring School Principal

Assembly Resolution No. 1247 BY: M. of A. Norris HONORING Thomas Lyons upon the occasion of his retirement after 41 years of dedicated service to the field of education WHEREAS, It is the custom 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, The result of many individual efforts, the excellence and the success of Alden Central School District is due in large part to the efforts of Principal Thomas Lyons; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Thomas Lyons upon the occasion of his retirement after 41 years of dedicated service to the field of education; he will officially retire from the esteemed position of Principal in June of 2018; and WHEREAS, Thomas Lyons began his career in education as a Special Education Teacher at the elementary school level with Erie II-Cattaraugus BOCES; he went on to serve as a Supervisor of Special Education services at Erie 1 BOCES before joining Alden Central School District in 1988; and WHEREAS, A true inspiration and mentor, Thomas Lyons has served the Alden Central School District for 30 years; and WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious tenure with the District, Thomas Lyons served in several capacities, including as Principal at Alden Elementary (K-5), Townline Elementary (K-5), Alden Intermediate School (3-5), and currently Alden Primary School (K-2); and WHEREAS, During this time, Thomas Lyons has worked tirelessly to get to know each student and their family, as well as to provide leadership to develop the academic curriculum in a friendly and caring manner; and WHEREAS, Thomas Lyons holds a Master of Science degree in Exceptional and Elementary Education, as well as a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Administration; and WHEREAS, As a knowledgeable and highly skilled principal, Thomas Lyons has improved the quality of education at Alden Primary School by leading and supporting staff with enthusiasm, cultivating a positive and stimulating school environment for his students, and creating a greater sense of community; and WHEREAS, A caring, competent and committed leader, Thomas Lyons' character and integrity are the hallmarks of his life and work as an educational leader, a community volunteer and as a person; and WHEREAS, The Alden community is indeed fortunate and blessed to have had such a dedicated and respected educational leader; his wisdom and contributions reached into every classroom, truly making a difference in the lives of those lucky enough to have worked with him; and WHEREAS, A significant contributor to education in New York State, Thomas Lyons has continually demonstrated an impressive dedication, an unparalleled devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm for the quality of the educational programs and opportunities offered at the Alden Central School District for the benefit of its faculty and students, as well as for the entire community; and WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife of 40 years, Cecilia, and their two daughters, Jessica and Sarah, who have all shown him love and support and rejoice in his many achievements; and WHEREAS, In completing his service as Principal, Thomas Lyons leaves behind more than mere bricks and mortar; he leaves behind a legacy to the students of Alden Primary School and to the residents of the Alden community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Thomas Lyons upon the occasion of his retirement, and to wish him continued success in all his future endeavors; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Thomas Lyons.