Assembly Resolution No. 1252

BY: M. of A. Palmesano

COMMEMORATING the dedication of the Roo Reading
Library in memory of Barbara A. Hampson, in
recognition of her remarkable teaching career which
traversed more than three decades

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those individuals in the teaching profession who
distinguished themselves in their dedication and commitment to their
students; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the dedication of the Roo Reading Library in memory of
Barbara A. Hampson, in recognition of her remarkable teaching career
which traversed more than three decades; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion will be celebrated at a Dedication
Ceremony on Wednesday, June 6, 2018, at the Barbara A. Hampson Roo
Reading Library in Painted Post, New York; and

WHEREAS, Barbara A. Lyke was born on March 20, 1936, to James and
Virginia Lyke in Madison, Wisconsin; she earned both her bachelor's and
master's degrees from Western Michigan University; and

WHEREAS, Barbara A. Hampson began her distinguished 32-year teaching
career in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; after moving to New York, she worked in
Ithaca, New York, for one year; and

WHEREAS, For the next 30 years, Barbara A. Hampson was employed by
the Corning Painted Post Area School District; from 1969-1971, she was a
First Grade Teacher at Carder Elementary School; she then moved to
Winfield Elementary School where she taught Second Grade; and

WHEREAS, In 1975, Barbara A. Hampson became a reading teacher; in
this capacity, she coordinated the Rolling Reader Program at the Calvin
U. Smith Elementary School for six years in addition to Winfield
Elementary School's Program; and

WHEREAS, This program became known as the Roo Reading Program which
was named after the Roo Readers, a group of retired teachers and
community members who volunteered their time and energy to reading books
with the students; and

WHEREAS, An avid reader, Barbara A. Hampson also strived to ensure
that each and every one of her students had a book they could bring
home; through her tireless efforts, she obtained funds from local grants
and donations to purchase these books; and

WHEREAS, In 1992, Barbara A. Hampson retired from her role as not
only a teacher, but a mentor and friend to thousands of children; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her role as a reading teacher, Barbara A.
Hampson taught Sunday School to First and Second graders at the First

Presbyterian Church in Corning, New York; she also served as an elder
and a deacon for several terms, and was a vital member of several
committees; and

WHEREAS, Barbara A. Hampson died on November 6, 2012, at the age of
76; she will always be remembered for her kindness and her dedication to
sharing her love of reading with her students; today, many of her former
pupils think of her as they read a bedtime story to their children,
sharing Barbara's love of a good story; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her stellar career and her volunteer endeavors,
Barbara A. Hampson brought an uncompromising standard of excellence to
her work and a warm sense of caring and concern to every young person
she educated; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the dedication of the Roo Reading Library in memory of
Barbara A. Hampson, in recognition of her remarkable teaching career
which traversed more than three decades; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Barbara A. Hampson.