LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Arlene Wishnew upon the occasion of her
retirement after many years of distinguished service to the Vincent
Smith School

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and character
whose endeavors have enhanced the quality of education in this great
State; and
WHEREAS, The result of many individual efforts, the excellence and the
success of the Vincent Smith School is due in large part to the efforts
of Arlene Wishnew; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Arlene Wishnew
upon the occasion of her retirement after many years of distinguished
service to the Vincent Smith School; this momentous occasion will be
celebrated with a Retirement Party in her honor on Sunday, June 8, 2014,
at The Swan Club, Roslyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, in honor of Arlene Wishnew, the Board of Trus-
tees will establish The Wishnew Educational Scholarship Fund, which will
provide tuition assistance to current and future Vincent Smith School
students; and
WHEREAS, A true inspiration and mentor, Arlene Wishnew served the
Vincent Smith School for more than three decades; she will officially
retire from the esteemed position of Head of School at the end of the
current school year; and
WHEREAS, Arlene Wishnew received both her bachelor's and master's
degrees from Long Island University C.W. Post College; after more than
30 years, Arlene Wishnew approaches each day at Vincent Smith School
(VSS) with the same enthusiasm she did when she drove on campus for the
first time; and
WHEREAS, Arlene Wishnew joined the VSS staff as a lower school class-
room teacher before accepting multiple responsibilities as a Remedial
Reading Teacher and high school English/Math Teacher; she later moved up
the ranks to Principal before assuming the responsibility of Head of
School; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Arlene Wishnew, VSS provides
a place for children which allows them to feel safe, nurtured and moti-
vated to succeed; more than 85% of its students go on to college and
others on to post high school vocational programs; and
WHEREAS, Arlene Wishnew is an active member of the educational commu-
nity and several professional organizations including, the Council for
Exceptional Children, the Nassau Counselors Association, the Long Island
Association of Special Education Administrators, the National Center for
Learning Disabilities, CHADD, the International Dyslexia Association,
and the Clamdiggers (Heads of School on Long Island); and
WHEREAS, A caring, competent and committed leader, Arlene Wishnew's
character and integrity are the hallmarks of her life and work as a
school district leader, a community volunteer and as a person; her quiet
approach and caring attitude creates confidence and loyalty among
colleagues and friends alike; and
WHEREAS, The Port Washington Community is indeed fortunate and blessed
to have such a dedicated and respected educational leader for more than
three decades; her wisdom and contributions reached into every class-
room, and she truly made a difference in the lives of those lucky enough
to have worked with her; and
WHEREAS, Arlene Wishnew 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

Vincent Smith School for the benefit of its faculty and students, as
well as for the entire community; and
WHEREAS, In completing her service as Head of School, Arlene Wishnew
leaves behind more than mere bricks and mortar; she leaves behind a
legacy to the residents of the Port Washington community and to future
generations of its students; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Arlene Wishnew upon the occasion of her retirement, and for her
significant contributions to education in New York State; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Arlene Wishnew.