Senate Resolution No. 5841

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Shannon Lundgren upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the 2018 Empire State
Excellence in Teaching Award

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant accomplishments in the distinguished careers of those
outstanding educational leaders, whose dedication and achievements have
been instrumental in developing character and academic excellence in the
young people of New York State; and

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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Shannon
Lundgren upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2018
Empire State Excellence in Teaching Award; and

WHEREAS, The Empire State Excellence in Teaching Award was created
by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo in 2016, to support exemplary teachers
across New York State who foster creativity, instill a love of learning,
motivate students to maintain high expectations and academic goals, and
make a difference in the lives of students; Shannon Lundgren is truly
committed to her students and sharing her innovative practices with
fellow educators; and

WHEREAS, Shannon Lundgren was presented with this prestigious award
on Monday, May 7, 2018, in front of a packed room during a regularly
scheduled faculty meeting; in addition, she received a substantial check
to use for professional development purposes; and

WHEREAS, A longtime Spanish teacher at Bethlehem Central Middle
School, Shannon Lundgren coordinates the district's Teacher Mentor
program, which pairs veteran educators with new teachers to provide
support, encouragement and understanding in an effort to ensure their
success in the classroom; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, David Lundgren,
who has shown her love and support and rejoices in her many
achievements; and

WHEREAS, The future success of our State and Nation is dependent
upon individuals such as Shannon Lundgren, who dedicate their lives as
educators, nurturing our most precious resource, our youth; and

WHEREAS, Educators like Shannon Lundgren 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, A significant contributor to education in New York State,
Shannon Lundgren clearly has an enduring impact on the youth of
Bethlehem Central Middle 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, Shannon Lundgren has
brought an uncompromising standard of excellence to her work and a warm
sense of caring and concern to every young person she educates; and

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those individuals who work to support our proud tradition of
public education by providing their skills and talents to our schools;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Shannon Lundgren upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the 2018 Empire State Excellence in Teaching Award; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Shannon Lundgren.