LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending New York Harbor School upon the occa-
sion of celebrating its 10th Anniversary

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize organiza-
tions of commitment and high achievement whose purpose and endeavor are
dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in its communities, and to the
development of responsible citizens and community leaders; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to recognize
and commend New York Harbor School upon the occasion of celebrating its
10th Anniversary at Manhattan's New York Yacht Club; and
WHEREAS, From a simple question spoken in the summer of 2002, a mari-
time school was conceived in hopes of providing a rigorous, college-pre-
paratory education built upon New York City's maritime experience that
can instill in students excellence, discipline and interdependence to
lead the future; and
WHEREAS, With only eight qualified and dedicated teachers and 125
students, 90% of whom fell below or far below grade level in math and
reading, New York Harbor School opened its doors in the fall of 2003 to
begin a wonderful voyage, setting its course on inquiry-based, hands-on
learning in a natural environment on land and open shores; and
WHEREAS, With the preliminary challenges of beginning a new school,
implementing a never before taught curriculum, in a city where everyone
watches, New York Harbor School stimulated their students' curiosity and
critical thinking in the classroom and on the waters, resulting in their
first graduating class of 2007 and a graduation rate well over 80%; and
WHEREAS, The small size of New York Harbor School has in turn become
one of the major benefits for their students, allowing them a larger
stake in decision making, increased personal attention with faculty and
staff, eventually resulting in the school receiving a grade of "A" on
its New York City Department of Education report card for the 2009 and
2010 school years; and
WHEREAS, Looking forward on their journey, New York Harbor School
recognizes that their small yet strong faculty plays an imperative role
in shaping their students' lives as successful leaders, so much that one
of their former students has rejoined the school as a full-time Teaching
Assistant in the Vessel Operations and Aquaculture programs, ready to
share his maritime passion with future students; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend New York Harbor School upon the occasion of celebrating its 10th
Anniversary at Manhattan's New York Yacht Club; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to New York Harbor School.