Privileged Resolution 020061

..Title Extending felicitations to the faculty, students and alumni of Northeast Catholic High School for Boys upon the occasion of the Seventy-fifth Anniversary of its founding as an educational institution. ..Body WHEREAS, Northeast Catholic High School for Boys was opened in September 1926 as the fourth diocesan high school in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia; and WHEREAS, Northeast Catholic High School is staffed by the religious order of the Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales and dedicated lay faculty; and WHEREAS, The first class chose as the school motto, the Latin phrase "Tenui Nec Dimmittam" which translates, "What I have I will not lose", and in keeping with the motto also chose the Falcon as the symbol of their new school, since it is a bird of prey that never lets go of what it has captured, faithful to its trainer and the fastest of god's creatures; and WHEREAS, The philosophy of Northeast Catholic High School is geared towards man's dual nature, physical and spiritual, concentrating on the education of the whole man for time and eternity; and WHEREAS, The academic success of its students are enriched by its athletic program, which has brought to the school numerous city championships; and WHEREAS, The Northeast Catholic Band, yearbook, newspaper and debating teams have also received recognition through national awards; and WHEREAS, From an enrollment of 449 students at the time of its founding, it reached its peak in 1953 with 5,412 students and was recognized as the largest high school for boys in the world; and WHEREAS, The students currently attending will join 38,000 graduates throughout the country, many of whom continue to serve the Philadelphia community; and WHEREAS, Over 400 graduates have served the church including two bishops in Africa, over 2000 have served as Philadelphia Police and Firefighters, and over 300 have given their lives in the service of their country; now therefore RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we extend felicitations to the faculty, students and alumni of the Northeast Catholic High School for Boys upon the occasion of the Seventy-fifth Anniversary of its founding as an educational institution. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Reverend Vincent E. Smith, OSFS, President of Northeast Catholic High School for Boys, as evidence of the sincere sentiments and gratitude of this legislative body. ..End