Senate Resolution No. 5367

BY: Senator GALLIVAN

HONORING Thomas Lyons upon the occasion of his
retirement after 41 years of dedicated service to
the field of education

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor and
recognize those dedicated professionals, who strive to enhance the
quality of education for our students, and whose character,
accomplishments and community contributions inspire all citizens of this
great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, The result of many individual efforts, the excellence and
the success of Alden Central School District is due in large part to the
efforts of Principal Thomas Lyons; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Thomas Lyons
upon the occasion of his retirement after 41 years of dedicated service
to the field of education; he will officially retire from the esteemed
position of Principal in June of 2018; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Lyons began his career in education as a Special
Education Teacher at the elementary school level with Erie
II-Cattaraugus BOCES; he went on to serve as a Supervisor of Special
Education services at Erie 1 BOCES before joining Alden Central School
District in 1988; and

WHEREAS, A true inspiration and mentor, Thomas Lyons has served the
Alden Central School District for 30 years; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious tenure with the District, Thomas
Lyons served in several capacities, including as Principal at Alden
Elementary (K-5), Townline Elementary (K-5), Alden Intermediate School
(3-5), and currently Alden Primary School (K-2); and

WHEREAS, During this time, Thomas Lyons has worked tirelessly to get
to know each student and their family, as well as to provide leadership
to develop the academic curriculum in a friendly and caring manner; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Lyons holds a Master of Science degree in
Exceptional and Elementary Education, as well as a Certificate of
Advanced Study in School Administration; and

WHEREAS, As a knowledgeable and highly skilled principal, Thomas
Lyons has improved the quality of education at Alden Primary School by
leading and supporting staff with enthusiasm, cultivating a positive and
stimulating school environment for his students, and creating a greater
sense of community; and

WHEREAS, A caring, competent and committed leader, Thomas Lyons'
character and integrity are the hallmarks of his life and work as an
educational leader, a community volunteer and as a person; and

WHEREAS, The Alden community is indeed fortunate and blessed to have
had such a dedicated and respected educational leader; his wisdom and

contributions reached into every classroom, truly making a difference in
the lives of those lucky enough to have worked with him; and

WHEREAS, A significant contributor to education in New York State,
Thomas Lyons 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 Alden Central
School District for the benefit of its faculty and students, as well as
for the entire community; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife of 40 years,
Cecilia, and their two daughters, Jessica and Sarah, who have all shown
him love and support and rejoice in his many achievements; and

WHEREAS, In completing his service as Principal, Thomas Lyons leaves
behind more than mere bricks and mortar; he leaves behind a legacy to
the students of Alden Primary School and to the residents of the Alden
community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Thomas Lyons upon the occasion of his retirement, and to wish him
continued success in all his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Thomas Lyons.