Honor Principal Harrison-Walker

Senate Resolution No. 946 BY: Senator MONTGOMERY COMMENDING Principal Grecian Harrison-Walker upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the Community Advisory Board of Boys and Girls High School on April 11, 2019 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 sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the significant achievements in the distinguished careers of those outstanding educational leaders, whose dedication and accomplishments 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 Principal Grecian Harrison-Walker upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the Community Advisory Board of the Boys and Girls High School to be celebrated in conjunction with the Return of Academic Excellence to the school on Thursday, April 11, 2019; and WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion will recognize the outstanding achievements of Principal Grecian Harrison-Walker, her staff and students who brought the BGHS from "Failing School" status in 2008, to "Good Standing" in 2019; and WHEREAS, The BGHS, the oldest public high school in Brooklyn, is a comprehensive high school located at 1700 Fulton Street in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York; as of the 2014-15 school year, the school had an enrollment of 643 students and 43 classroom teachers; and WHEREAS, After it was designated a "Failing School," the Community Advisory Board of the BGHS and other leaders from Bedford Stuyvesant fought to keep the school open; a decade later, a hearing was held on Thursday, November 1, 2018, to review the school's status, and on

January 17, 2019, Principal Grecian Harrison-Walker was informed of the school's notable improvements, and its subsequent removal from receivership at the end of the 2018-2019 school year; and WHEREAS, For 10 years, Principal Grecian Harrison-Walker and her staff diligently worked to improve their school by creating an environment that will successfully teach their students to think critically and conscientiously about themselves, their community, and their global village; and WHEREAS, Through their tireless efforts, the BGHS has truly helped its students to achieve their full potential, make positive choices and have a plan for life after high school; Principal Grecian Harrison-Walker and her staff believe their students are capable of success and embrace learning when they feel safe and are supported by competent and caring adults; and WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of Principal Grecian Harrison-Walker, the BGHS has truly become the "Pride and Joy of Bedford Stuyvesant"; and WHEREAS, Educators like Principal Grecian Harrison-Walker provide a tremendous service to the future of our State and Nation, inspiring generations of young people in their educational journeys and ensuring their success in their future years; and WHEREAS, Principal Grecian Harrison-Walker has clearly had an enduring impact on the youth of the BGHS, as well as the community-at-large, and accordingly merits recognition and applause for her impressive dedication to others; and WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to commend the efforts of those individuals who work to support our proud tradition of public education by providing their skills and talents to our schools; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Principal Grecian Harrison-Walker upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the Community Advisory Board of Boys and Girls High School on April 11, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Principal Grecian Harrison-Walker.