Privileged Resolution 000045

..Title Designating the week of January 30, 2000 through February 4, 2000 as "Catholic Schools Week" in the City of Philadelphia. ..Body WHEREAS, The members of the City Council of Philadelphia stand in salute to the more than one hundred thousand students and teachers throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia who celebrate "Catholic Schools Week" with a variety of religious, social and recreational activities under the theme, "Beyond These Walls, a Tradition of Excellence"; and WHEREAS, The first Catholic school in Philadelphia was established in 1782 at Saint Mary's Parish, laying the foundation for what would become a model school system that was replicated throughout the country and, by 1850 there was a Catholic school in nearly every City parish; and WHEREAS, The early schools struggled and survived the anti-Catholic sentiments and even the riots of the 1840's. They expanded and improved under the strong leadership of Saint John Neumann and his successors, all advocates of a Catholic school system that has instilled high moral values and established rigorous standards of educational excellence; and WHEREAS, Catholic schools in Philadelphia have proved themselves to be blueprints for success. Current figures indicate that nearly 85% of Catholic school graduates attend college and that another 6% attend technical and trade schools. These graduates continue to contribute to the social enrichment, moral stability and economic security of Philadelphia and the region. Graduates of Catholic schools have held every elective office possible in the City of Philadelphia; and WHEREAS, This year we especially recognize Archbishop Ryan High School, founded in 1966 and today the largest school in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and in fact in this country. Because of its size (current enrollment is over 2500 students), Archbishop Ryan is in a position to offer the most comprehensive educational and social opportunities. This, combined with an ongoing emphasis on spiritual and religious values, has brought distinction to the School, pride to the students and their families, and confidence in a strong and successful future; and WHEREAS, This outstanding school stresses the dignity and worth of the individual, the love of God, educational excellence, physical development and spiritual and moral values; now therefore RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we proudly designate the week of January 30, 2000 through February 4, 2000, as "Catholic Schools Week" in the City of Philadelphia in fitting tribute to the Catholic schools, whose high standards of excellence have educated individuals from all economic, social, ethnic and religious backgrounds. These schools have enhanced and enriched the lives of their students and families for two hundred and eighteen years. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Monsignor Philip J. Cribben, Secretary of Catholic Education for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia; Stephen Pawlowski, President of Archbishop Ryan High School, as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.