Commemorating the 200th Anniversary of Delaware Academy Central School District at Delhi

Senate Resolution No. 820 BY: Senator METZGER COMMEMORATING the 200th Anniversary of Delaware Academy Central School District at Delhi 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 accomplishment clearly demonstrate an enduring pursuit of excellence in the education of the youth of the 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 200th Anniversary of Delaware Academy Central School District at Delhi; and WHEREAS, Tucked away in the southern Catskills was a small village called Delhi; in the early 19th century, the community determined it was necessary to start a school district in town so its youth could get a plentiful education without having to walk in several different directions; and WHEREAS, On April 12, 1819, the plan was passed for the building of Delaware Academy (DA) to begin, and the first entry in the trustee's book was recorded on February 28, 1820; under the direction of its first principal, John A. Savage, A.B., the institution opened for scholars; and WHEREAS, Latin, Greek, Astronomy, Natural Philosophy, Natural History, Chemistry, and Mathematics were taught for a fee of 37 and ¢ cents per week per student, and the other sciences were taught for 25 cents per week; room and board were supplied for $1.25, which was necessary for students not living in the village; and WHEREAS, The school saw seven different principals from 1824 until

1840, a department of common school teachers was started; and WHEREAS, With its rapid growth, an expansion was authorized in 1841, and by 1857, there were four teachers and 212 students at the Academy; and WHEREAS, By 1865, Reverend Silas Fitch had been principal for a year; during this time, the faulty had doubled since the school first opened and 353 pupils were now attending this learning institution; and WHEREAS, In the 1880s, Delaware Academy had in residence perhaps its most famous teacher, The Honorable Charles Evans Hughes, who was working on his law degree while teaching at the school; he went on to become Associate Justice of The Supreme Court (1910-1916), presidential nominee (1916), United States Secretary of State (1921-25), and Chief Justice of The Supreme Court (1930-1941); and WHEREAS, Delaware Academy was leased to the Board of Education of Union Free School District number 16 on December 4, 1902, by the Regents of the University of the State of New York in Albany; the Academy became part of the public education system of New York in 1910, under Professor Wood; and WHEREAS, On November 11, 1918, the bell at what is now the State University of New York, College at Delhi, rang for 24 hours straight in honor of the end of World War I; one year later, the first Kalends was printed as a monthly update of the school; named by the class of 1920, Kalends became the yearbook as it is today; and WHEREAS, In 1936, centralization of Delaware Academy was passed and

21, 1938, plans were presented in preparation for construction of a new school; a ceremony was held on June 24, 1939, during which time the cornerstone of the new school was laid; the first official day of the new Delaware Academy was September 9, 1940; and WHEREAS, The year 2019, marks Delaware Academy's 200th year of hard work, maturation, respectability and pride; and WHEREAS, Remaining true to its motto, "Not in Number but in Influence," Delaware Academy has touched the lives of countless individuals, and will continue to do so with the support and guidance of Delhi and its surrounding communities; and WHEREAS, The steadfast and unyielding commitment of parents, educators and administrators to provide the highest quality education for students has become the hallmark and tradition of Delaware Academy; and WHEREAS, Within the 21st Century, Delaware Academy stands prepared to reach out, in earnest and enthusiastic quest of its mission, to promote the maximum growth of every student, establishing standards and building skills which will carry its students and the citizens of its community into the future; and WHEREAS, Delaware Academy is proudly aware of its distinguished past, eager to fulfill its present commitment to parents, students and the community, and planning with vision and purpose for the ebb and swell of growth and change it will encounter in the years to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Delaware Academy Central School District at Delhi; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Delaware Academy Central School District at Delhi.