2001 -- S 0287

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LC02180
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S  E  N  A  T  E     R  E  S  O  L  U  T  I  O  N

CONGRATULATING TERRENCE J. LEARY FOR HIS 25 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE AS DIRECTOR OF HARMONY HILL SCHOOL

WHEREAS, Terrence J. Leary is being honored for his outstanding and unsurpassed service as Director of Harmony Hill School; and

WHEREAS, Harmony Hill School is a school which benefits, to the highest degree, young boys from the ages of 8 to 18. Since its inception, Harmony Hill has been a "safe haven" for troubled kids. Mr. Leary put it best when he said, "We take kids, and try to turn their behaviors and reactions around so we can get them back to community living so they can be positive, successful individuals"; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Leary, quick to equivocate the obvious honor, prefers to eulogize the efforts of those who "laid the foundation" for the school and who have assisted him in constructing what exists today; and

WHEREAS, Harmony Hill has been recognized by the National Commission for the Accreditation of Special Education Services receiving the official seal of approval awarding them the five year honor which became effective January 19, 2000; and

WHEREAS, In addition to the School's award, Mr. Leary received the high honor of Executive of the Year from the National Association of Private Schools of Exceptional Children. The award was presented to Mr. Leary last year; and

WHEREAS, Terry regrets not being able to spend more time interacting with the students, he maintains an extremely busy schedule. Most of his time is spent behind his desk doing paperwork and making calls to raise money for the facility; and

WHEREAS, Since 1966, Terry Leary has been bringing Harmony Hill up to its justifiably distinguished position. Thirty-five years later, Mr. Leary describes Harmony Hill as his "home away from home" where his many memories have emanated. One of the most memorable events in Terry's history was meeting his wife Linda at Harmony Hill School thirty-five years ago; and

WHEREAS, The benefits of Mr. Leary's efforts are certainly not going unnoticed. The School has as success rate of 70 percent and the facility receives donations from various contributors. Anyone who has served in this capacity knows how exhausting and time consuming this work is; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby congratulates this extraordinary man on his selfless and dedicated work for the Harmony Hill School. We wish Terrence J. Leary and his wife Linda the very best of health and continued success in all his endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he is hereby authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Terrence J. Leary.