LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Bayside High School in Queens, New
York, upon the occasion of celebrating its 80th Anniversary on March 16,
2016

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those institutions of commitment and high achievement whose
purpose and endeavors prove a dedication to the pursuit of excellence in
the education of the youth of this noble Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Bayside High School in Queens, New York, upon the occasion of celebrat-
ing its 80th Anniversary on Wednesday, March 16, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Bayside High School will commemorate this auspicious mile-
stone with a myriad of events planned throughout the year by the Friends
of Bayside High School, an alumni/community-based organization; and
WHEREAS, Bayside High School, Samuel J. Tilden High School, Abraham
Lincoln High School, John Adams High School, Walton High School, Andrew
Jackson High School, and Grover Cleveland High School were all built
during the Great Depression from one set of blueprints, in order to save
money; and
WHEREAS, Bayside High School was the first school building in the City
to be constructed using Federal funds, built by the Public Works Admin-
istration from 1934-1936 at the cost of $2.5 million; and
WHEREAS, On March 16, 1936, Bayside High School opened the doors for
the first time to its students under the leadership of Principal Dr.
George W. Crane; a four-year public high school located in Bayside, in
the New York City borough of Queens, the School is overseen by the New
York City Department of Education (NYCDOE); and
WHEREAS, In 1978, the Bayside High School music program, then under
the guidance of John Benza, was among the first secondary schools in the
Nation to purchase and teach Music Synthesis on a synthesizer, the
Roland System 100; and
WHEREAS, For eight decades, Bayside High School has strived to ensure
that all of its students have access to a high-quality education which
prepares them for the rigors of college and the workforce; today,
approximately 3,300 students are enrolled at the School; and
WHEREAS, Bayside High School is recognized as one of the highest
performing schools in the New York City Department of Education, earning
an "A" three years in a row on the 2010-2011, 2011-2012, and 2012-2013
NYCDOE Progress Reports; and
WHEREAS, Bayside High School students are selectively admitted into
six innovative programs including Digital Art and Design, Music:
Performance and Production, Environmental Engineering and Technology,
Humanities and Non-Profit Management, Computer Programming and Web
Design, and Sports Medicine and Management; and
WHEREAS, These incredible curricula offer students the opportunity to
earn college credits, participate in industry internships and learn more
about careers in their chosen field; and
WHEREAS, Exceptional students are given the option of enrolling in
numerous Advanced Placement (AP) courses including Art History, Biology,
Calculus AB/Calculus BC, Chinese Language and Culture, Comparative
Government and Politics, Computer Science A, English Language and Compo-
sition, English Literature and Composition, Environmental Science,
Latin: Vergil, Psychology, Spanish Language, Statistics, Studio Art,
United States Government and Politics, and United States History, as
well as World History; and

WHEREAS, Today, under the luminous leadership of Principal, Michael
Athy, Bayside High School proudly boasts a 92% 4-year graduation rate,
as well as 91% of all students graduating within six years, excep-
tionally high for a New York City High School; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, this vital educational institution has pioneered
Whole Child Guidance practices and is further improving curriculum
through the additions of internships and of numerous college-accredited
courses; in addition, Bayside High School has received positive recogni-
tion for closing the achievement gap for minority students, English
Language Learners (ELL) and students with Special Needs; 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 Bayside High School; and
WHEREAS, Within the 21st Century, Bayside High School 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, Bayside High School 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
commend Bayside High School in Queens, New York, upon the occasion of
celebrating its 80th Anniversary on March 16, 2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Michael Athy, Principal, Bayside High School.