Honoring Jean E. Pexton upon the occasion of her retirement after more than four decades of dedicated service in education, military service, and community leadership

Assembly Resolution No. 1390

BY: M. of A. Miller

        HONORING  Jean  E. Pexton upon the occasion of her
        retirement after more than four decades of dedicated
        service  in   education,   military   service,   and
        community leadership

  WHEREAS,  It  is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished citizens  who  have  demonstrated  outstanding
dedication and service to their community, state, and nation; and

  WHEREAS,  Attendant  to  such  concern,  and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Jean E. Pexton upon the occasion of her retirement after more than  four
decades  of  dedicated  service  in  education,  military  service,  and
community leadership; and

  WHEREAS,  Jean  E.  Pexton  has  distinguished  herself  through  an
unwavering  commitment  to  the  education,  well-being,  and success of
countless students, as well as through her service to the United  States
Armed Forces and numerous civic organizations; and

  WHEREAS,  Jean  E.  Pexton  proudly served her country in the United
States Navy from January 1981 through June 1990 as a  Hospital  Corpsman
and  Hospital  Corpsman Instructor, serving in a role equivalent to that
of a Licensed Practical Nurse; and

  WHEREAS,  During  her  military  career,  she   undertook   numerous
leadership  responsibilities,  including  serving  as a Drug and Alcohol
Program Advisor, Master Training Specialist, Physical Fitness  Readiness
Team  member,  and  Prevention  of Sexual Harassment Instructor, and was
selected as the recipient of the prestigious Medical  Corps  Advancement
Program; and

  WHEREAS,  Her  dedication  to  service  extended beyond her military
duties through volunteerism and civic engagement, including  serving  as
Boy  Scout Medical Staff at Camp MaKaJaWan, an instructor for New Jersey
Boot Camp, a volunteer support coordinator for the Lake County Marathon,
a participant in  the  Marine  Corps  Marathon,  and  a  contributor  to
community youth projects through Partners In Education; and

  WHEREAS,  Following  her  honorable military service, Jean E. Pexton
continued her lifelong commitment to helping others  through  education,
serving  as  an  Elementary  Resource  Teacher and Assistant High School
Volleyball Coach in the Hubbard-Radcliffe School  District  from  August
1993 through May 2003; and

  WHEREAS,  In  this  role,  she provided specialized instruction to a
student recovering  from  a  traumatic  brain  injury  sustained  during
football  participation, contributed progress monitoring data for Area 7
staff training on measuring  progress  toward  Individualized  Education
Program  goals,  and  instructed fellow educators on reading instruction
strategies designed to improve  student  achievement  and  district-wide
testing outcomes; and

  WHEREAS,  Her  civic engagement during this time included serving as
Co-President of a community golf course organization, founding  a  local
A.Y.S.O.  Soccer  Organization,  and  volunteering  as  a  Bible  School
Instructor; and

  WHEREAS, Throughout her military and civilian career, Jean E. Pexton
remained  committed  to  lifelong  learning,  pursuing  higher education
studies at  thirteen  universities  throughout  the  United  States  and
abroad,  earning  a  Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Management
from Southern Illinois University, a K-9  Elementary  Education  Teacher
certification   from  National  University  in  San  Diego,  California,
Preschool and Special Education credentials from Iowa State  University,
and  a  Master's Degree in Special Education from Iowa State University;
and

  WHEREAS, Jean E. Pexton dedicated more than two decades  of  service
to  Madison-Oneida  BOCES,  beginning  in  September  2003  as a Special
Education  Preschool  Itinerant  Teacher  and   School   Age   Homebound
Instructor,  later serving as a 12:1:1 Community Based Elementary School
Teacher, and ultimately serving as a 12:1:1 Community Based High  School
Teacher until her retirement in June 2026; and

  WHEREAS,  Throughout  her  time  at Madison-Oneida BOCES career, she
consistently went above and beyond her professional responsibilities  by
serving  on  committees to create the Developmentally Appropriate Report
Card, mentoring fellow educators, teaching summer school,  participating
in curriculum development each summer, proctoring Regent's examinations,
and  attending every Superintendent's Conference Day and faculty meeting
in support of educational excellence; and

  WHEREAS, Her  devotion  to  her  community  has  remained  steadfast
through  her civic service as an American Legion Club Adjutant, A.Y.S.O.
Volunteer  Coach,  Pop  Warner  Parent  Volunteer,   church   fundraiser
volunteer,  and  provider  of  seasonal  patriotic  decorations  to  the
Veterans of Foreign Wars; and

  WHEREAS, Rare indeed  is  the  impressive  dedication  shown  by  an
individual  for the benefit of others which Jean E. Pexton has displayed
throughout her life of service; and

  WHEREAS, It is the  custom  of  this  Legislative  Body  to  commend
individuals   of   outstanding  character  whose  purposeful  lives  and
civic-minded endeavors serve to enhance the quality  of  life  in  their
communities and throughout the Empire State; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Jean E. Pexton upon the occasion of her retirement, and to  extend
to  her  its  deepest  gratitude  and appreciation for her distinguished
military, educational, and civic service; and be it further

  RESOLVED, That a copy of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted to Jean E. Pexton.