Honoring the Lexington School for the Deaf upon the occasion of hosting its 29th Annual Basketball Classic vs. Assembly/Senate All-Stars on Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Senate Resolution No. 2074

BY: Senator RAMOS

        HONORING  the  Lexington  School for the Deaf upon
        the occasion of hosting its 29th  Annual  Basketball
        Classic  vs.   Assembly/Senate All-Stars on Tuesday,
        May 12, 2026

  WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to  recognize  and
commend  those  institutions  of true purpose and high achievement whose
exemplary programs and accomplishments clearly demonstrate  an  enduring
pursuit  of  excellence  in  the  education  of deaf youth in the Empire
State; and

  WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and  in  full  accord  with  its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
the  Lexington School for the Deaf upon the occasion of hosting its 29th
Annual Basketball Classic to be held at the  Kipp  Tech  Valley  Charter
School Gymnasium on Tuesday, May 12, 2026; and

  WHEREAS,  This  annual contest will feature the Lexington School for
the Deaf versus the Assembly and Senate All-Stars; and

  WHEREAS, The Lexington School for the Deaf was founded in 1864  when
the  first  class  of six children and an instructor was convened at the
home of Isaac and Hannah Rosenfeld; and

  WHEREAS, Due to constantly increasing enrollment, the  school  moved
several times until it settled in 1882, at 904 Lexington Avenue with 161
students;  in  1934,  it  officially became the Lexington School for the
Deaf; and

  WHEREAS, The Lexington School for the Deaf continued to grow and  in
1968, its new home was inaugurated on a six-acre site at 30th Avenue and
75th Street in Jackson Heights, Queens; and

  WHEREAS,  Today,  the  Lexington School for the Deaf, with a student
body of over 250 children, from infants through high school seniors,  is
the  largest school for the deaf in New York State, and its student body
resides throughout the five boroughs  of  New  York  City  and  adjacent
counties; and

  WHEREAS,  A  charter  member  of  the  4201  Association,  New  York
State-supported private schools for  disabled  children,  the  Lexington
School  for  the Deaf houses the only high school in New York City under
the auspices of the 4201 charter; and

  WHEREAS, In addition to its strong academic program,  the  Lexington
School  for  the  Deaf  offers  a  broad  range of physical and cultural
education programs, including highly regarded basketball teams; and

  WHEREAS, In 1995, Joseph Crowley, a former member of  the  New  York
State   Assembly   representing  the  Lexington  School  for  the  Deaf,
established the Lexington School versus the New York  State  Legislature
Basketball Game; and

  WHEREAS,  It  is the practice of this Legislative Body to extend its
highest commendation to all the individuals who have been involved  with
the  Lexington  School  for  the  Deaf,  past  and  present,  noting the
importance of their work and their enduring commitment to deaf children;
now, therefore be it

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the Lexington School for the Deaf upon the occasion of hosting its
29th Annual Basketball Classic; and be it further

  RESOLVED, That copies of this  Resolution,  suitable  engrossed,  be
transmitted to Seth Bravin, Interim CEO/Superintendent; Maria Noto, CFO;
Jane   Moran,   Special  Assistant  to  the  CEO/Superintendent;  Carlos
Aponte-Salcedo, Jr., Director of Student & Family Engagement;  Cindy  S.
Casson, Director, Community Relations; Nicolas Tegni, Athletic Director;
Joshua  Williams  and  John  Sala,  Varsity Boys Basketball Coaches; and
Raven Pentz and Carllee James, Varsity Girls Basketball Coaches.