LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the dedication of the James R.
Formato Athletic Field at South Middle School on May 31, 2014, and
honoring this beloved educator

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who made significant
contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the
dedication of the James R. Formato Athletic Field at South Middle School
on Saturday, May 31, 2014, and to honor this beloved educator; and
WHEREAS, James R. Formato was an assistant principal and science
teacher in the Newburgh Enlarged City School District for many years; he
was respected by his students, their families, and his peers, and his
commitment to excellence, as well as his passion for improving the qual-
ity of people's lives, extended beyond the school buildings and into the
broader community; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure as a science teacher at South Junior High
School, James R. Formato organized an effort to make small gifts and
baked goods for delivery by his students to the Veterans Administration
Hospital, Goshen Senior Citizens' Center and St. Luke's Hospital Chil-
dren's Wards during the holiday season; and
WHEREAS, In addition, he held Faculty-Student basketball games, led
the Salvation Army Canned Food Drive, and established Ushers Group as
well as Faculty and Staff Recognition Day; and
WHEREAS, As Chairman of the South Junior High School Science Fair,
James R. Formato was the first science teacher at the school to win the
New York State Outstanding Science Teacher Award for the Hudson Valley
Region; and
WHEREAS, During his time as assistant principal at South Junior High
School, James R. Formato used student surveys to design a new school
mascot, and founded the Engineering-Technology House, as well as the
SJHS HAM Radio station which was used by several interested students who
subsequently obtained radio licenses; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, James R. Formato established the Anthony M.
Formato Memorial Trophy for the school's top scholar-athlete, and
received an award from the New York State Administrator's Association
for the student newsletter; and
WHEREAS, James R. Formato clearly had an enduring impact on the youth
of the Newburgh Enlarged School District, as well as on the community-
at-large, and accordingly merits just tribute and recognition for the
impressive dedication he had for others throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, The dedication of the athletic field of the South Middle
School where James R. Formato led with such talent, zeal, and joy is a
fitting tribute to an individual who brought honor and dignity to the
field of education; and
WHEREAS, The James R. Formato Athletic Field will long endure as an
inspiration and legacy to future generations of students, staff and
faculty at South Middle School and the entire Newburgh Enlarged City
School District; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the dedication of the James R. Formato Athletic Field at
South Middle School in Newburgh, New York on May 31, 2014, and to honor
this beloved educator; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to James R. Formato.