Senate Resolution No. 805

BY: Senator GOLDEN

COMMENDING Mary E. Donnelly upon the occasion of
her designation as Deputy Marshal of the 2017 Bay
Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
individuals of true purpose and worthy accomplishment who work
diligently to preserve and celebrate their rich cultural heritage; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Mary E. Donnelly upon the occasion of her designation as Deputy
Marshal of the 2017 Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade, to be celebrated
with a Dinner Dance on Saturday, March 4, 2017; and

WHEREAS, In acknowledgment of this most prestigious appointment,
Mary E. Donnelly will march as Deputy Marshal of the 24th Annual Bay
Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade down 3rd Avenue in Brooklyn, New York,
on Sunday, March 26, 2017; and

WHEREAS, The Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade is meant to
recognize and celebrate Irish culture, heritage and pride, for those who
have emigrated here from the Emerald Isle, the Irish-American community,
as well as those who are Irish in spirit; and

WHEREAS, Born in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, Mary E. Donnelly attended St.
Ephrem's School before graduating from Bishop Ford High School in 1991;
she went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Science and Education from
Manhattan College in 1995, as well as her Master of Education degree
from Cambridge University in 2003; and

WHEREAS, With a passion for teaching and working with the youth in
her community, Mary E. Donnelly began her illustrious education career
as a physical education teacher at Holy Innocents Grammar School in East
Flatbush; after seven years in Catholic education, she transitioned to
PS/IS 104 in Bay Ridge, where she was a Physical Education and Health
teacher for ten years before becoming Dean of Students, the esteemed
position she continues to hold today; and

WHEREAS, Actively involved in the Bay Ridge community, Mary E.
Donnelly currently serves as a coach for girls basketball, girls
softball and both boys and girls swimming at St. Ephrem's School; she is
also the athletic director for St. Pat's girls volleyball, and
volunteers with OLPH soccer programs in the spring and fall sessions;
and

WHEREAS, Mary E. Donnelly's Irish lineage comes from both sets of
great grandparents; on her mother's side, the McGuire clan coming from
Fermanagh, Ireland and on her father's side coming from Tullamore,
Ireland; she is proud of her Irish heritage and works with several
businesses in Brooklyn to continue both Irish and family traditions; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband of 12 years,
Matthew, and their two children, Elizabeth and Matthew, all of whom feel
privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her achievements; and

WHEREAS, A St. Patrick's Day Parade reflects and records the ongoing
history of the United States and Ireland, and provides an opportunity
for people of all generations to assemble in ethnic pride and pageantry;
and

WHEREAS, A fitting choice for Deputy Marshal for the Bay Ridge St.
Patrick's Day Parade, Mary E. Donnelly embodies the spirit and the
cherished ideals and values of Irish-Americans of this great State and
Nation; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Mary E. Donnelly upon the occasion of her designation as Deputy
Marshal of the 2017 Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Mary E. Donnelly.