LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Teresa Lawrence upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the 2016 Graduate School of Education
Distinguished Alumni Award by the University at Buffalo on May 13, 2016

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, Teresa Lawrence has given not only of her time and energies
but also of her competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently
has been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Teresa
Lawrence upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2016
Graduate School of Education Distinguished Alumni Award by the Universi-
ty at Buffalo at its Commencement Exercises on Friday, May 13, 2016; and
WHEREAS, This honor is bestowed upon an alumnus who has impacted the
field of education through an exemplary history of research, teaching
and service; Teresa Lawrence is being recognized for her contributions
to the field of education in Western New York; and
WHEREAS, Teresa Lawrence has been active in the Western New York
education arena for 25 years, serving in the roles of Teacher, Lecturer,
Consultant and Staff Developer; she currently serves as Superintendent
of Schools for the Grand Island Central School District; and
WHEREAS, Completing her Ph.D. in social foundations, Teresa Lawrence
also earned her Master's degree, administrative certificates, and an
advanced certificate in education from the University at Buffalo; and
WHEREAS, Prepared to know the context in which learning takes place
and apply theory into her daily practice, Teresa Lawrence is respected
for her innovative ideas, dedication to education, and passion for
ensuring her students receive the best possible educational experience;
and
WHEREAS, Teresa Lawrence has been called upon to contribute her time
and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always
given of herself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to the Western New York community, Teresa Lawrence
is known for her commitment to mentoring and coaching aspiring school
leaders; in addition, she serves on numerous boards and committees which
seek to improve her community; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Teresa Lawrence has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Teresa Lawrence has displayed
throughout her life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Teresa Lawrence upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the 2016 Graduate School of Education Distinguished Alumni Award by
the University at Buffalo; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Teresa Lawrence.