WHEREAS it is the intention of the Mayor and Council of Cherry Hill Township to focus attention on noteworthy occasions and individuals; and

WHEREAS Thomas Paine Elementary School has been honored by the New Jersey Alliance for Social, Emotional and Character Development as a New Jersey School of Character for 2015 through 2017; and

WHEREAS to qualify for this esteemed award, Thomas Paine Elementary School built a quality educational environment focused on the positive values of Respect, Responsibility, Resilience, and Active Citizenship: and

WHEREAS the prestigious award recognizes schools and districts that exemplify the Eleven Principles of Effective Character Education, while demonstrating outstanding character education initiatives that result in positive student behavior, school climate, and academic performance; and

WHEREAS as Mayor and Council of Cherry Hill Township, we are honored to recognize the entire Thomas Paine Elementary School community for this impressive achievement, and for its tireless efforts toward becoming a New Jersey School of Character.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, CHUCK CAHN, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the Township of Cherry Hill, County of Camden, State of New Jersey, do hereby proclaim February 9, 2015, as
Thomas Paine
Elementary School Day

in the Township of Cherry Hill and do urge all citizens to join with me and Council in congratulating the Thomas Paine Elementary School, students, teachers, administrators, and parents alike as they accept and celebrate this important designation.