Honor Abigail King Jackson

Senate Resolution No. 1312 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING Abigail King Jackson posthumously upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Bertha Brimmer Medal by the University at Albany Alumni Association WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and character whose endeavors enhanced the quality of education in this great State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Abigail King Jackson posthumously upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Bertha Brimmer Medal by the University at Albany Alumni Association to be celebrated with a Gala on May 4, 2019, at Wolfert's Roost, Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, The Bertha Brimmer Medal honors University at Albany graduates for excellence in teaching and dedication to their profession; this auspicious award was founded by the Class of 1934, and is named for a Class of 1900 graduate known for her devotion to teaching and service to the University; and WHEREAS, Abigail King Jackson truly dedicated her life to her career at Wilbur H. Lynch Literacy Academy in Amsterdam, New York; she spent each day pouring her positive energy into the well-being of both students and teachers, and extended her efforts to the community-at-large; and WHEREAS, After graduating from Amsterdam High School, Abigail King Jackson went on to earn a bachelor's degree in elementary education from SUNY Cortland in 2007, and a master's degree in literacy from the University at Albany School of Education in 2008; and WHEREAS, Abigail King Jackson began her illustrious career in education at Hoosic Valley before returning home to the Greater Amsterdam School District; and WHEREAS, As a teacher, Abigail King Jackson was soft spoken and kind, but firm - the perfect characteristics for her role - and the students recognized she had high expectations for them; she worked with up to 100 students per year, providing individualized instruction for those who struggled with reading and comprehension; and WHEREAS, Abigail King Jackson's students truly understood how much she cared for them and trusted her to help them learn and grow their literacy skills; in addition to teaching her students strategies to improve their reading skills, she created a warm classroom environment where each child felt comfortable and willing to take risks; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, this extraordinary woman worked particularly well with students who had special needs, finding creative and effective ways to offer appropriate reading instruction for all, even for those who resisted the process; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her profession, Abigail King Jackson's role as a teacher did not end in the classroom; she often spent her own money buying books for students, and selflessly volunteered her time to the school community after-hours and on weekends; and WHEREAS, Abigail King Jackson served on five school-wide committees including the School Comprehensive Education Plan team, Parent-Community Outreach team, Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS) team, the School Improvement team and the Sunshine Committee; she also co-founded the Wellness Committee to support the social and emotional well-being of students and staff; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, she volunteered her time to hand out PBIS rewards to students during lunch, and organized fundraising for the backpack program which provides a weekend's supply of food for students in need; and WHEREAS, Active in her community, Abigail King Jackson also served as a coach for the local soccer buddies program; and WHEREAS, In addition to fulfilling her roles as a loving wife and mother to two young girls, Abigail King Jackson's commitment to the education profession was commendable and her genuine interaction with her students inspiring; and WHEREAS, In October of 2018, Abigail King Jackson's life was tragically cut short, but her legacy as an advocate for literacy, a teacher and a friend and model community member lives on; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Abigail King Jackson displayed throughout her life; and WHEREAS, The Amsterdam community is indeed fortunate and blessed to have had such a dedicated and respected educational leader; her wisdom and contributions reached into every classroom, truly making a difference in the lives of those lucky enough to have known her; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Abigail King Jackson posthumously upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Bertha Brimmer Medal by the University at Albany Alumni Association; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Abigail King Jackson.