Honoring the Lexington School for the Deaf upon the occasion of hosting its 29th Annual Basketball Classic on May 12, 2026

Assembly Resolution No. 1336

BY: M. of A. Gonzalez-Rojas

        HONORING  the  Lexington  School for the Deaf upon
        the occasion of hosting its 29th  Annual  Basketball
        Classic on 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; Jane Moran,
Cindy S. Casson, Director, Community Relations; Nicolas Tegni,  Athletic
Director;  Joshua  Williams  and  John  Sala,  Varsity  Boys  Basketball
Coaches; and Raven Pentz and  Carlee  James,  Varsity  Girls  Basketball
Coaches.