Senate Resolution No. 526

BY: Senator RANZENHOFER

HONORING Polly Lougen upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the 2017 Sister Lucille
Socciarelli/Father John Sturm Making a Difference
Award by The Foundation of the Roman Catholic
Diocese of Buffalo

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 custom 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 honor
Polly Lougen upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
2017 Sister Lucille Socciarelli/Father John Sturm Making a Difference
Award by The Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo,
celebrated at its GALA 22:6 on Thursday, January 19, 2017, at the
Buffalo Niagara Convention Center in Buffalo, New York; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 2001, this annual award is given to one teacher
in the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo whose outstanding dedication is
making a difference in Catholic Education; Polly Lougen has exhibited
the true spirit of this prestigious award through her tireless
dedication and commitment to her students and coworkers by discovering
new and creative ways to teach and cultivate her skills; and

WHEREAS, Polly Lougen attended Mount Mercy Academy and the former
St. Ambrose School in South Buffalo; after graduation, she earned her
master's degree in Education from the University at Buffalo; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her 22 year career teaching in Catholic schools,
Polly Lougen has always strived to teach her students that faith is
essential to a good education and life; and

WHEREAS, For the last 19 years, Polly Lougen has been an inspiring
science teacher in grades three, four and five at St. Mary School in
Swormville, New York; and

WHEREAS, This exceptional educator has diligently worked to bring
Common Core standards and science, technology, engineering, math and
other topics into the classroom through creative projects which make
learning more enjoyable and interesting for her students; and

WHEREAS, Educators like Polly Lougen 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, Polly Lougen has clearly had an enduring impact on the
youth of St. Mary School, as well as on the community-at-large, and
accordingly merits recognition and applause for her impressive
dedication to others; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her career thus far, Polly Lougen has brought an
uncompromising standard of excellence to her work and a warm sense of
caring and concern to every young person she educates; now, therefore,
be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Polly Lougen upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the 2017 Sister Lucille Socciarelli/Father John Sturm Making a
Difference Award by The Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of
Buffalo; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Polly Lougen.