Honoring Sheldon S. Pavel's 28-year Career as President of Philadelphia's famed Central High School.

The Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby honors, congratulates, commends, and thanks Sheldon S. Pavel on the occasion of his retirement after 28 years as President of Philadelphia's famed Central High School, during which time Central High School has been nationally-recognized for its academic excellence and student achievement, and for his commitment, dedication, and leadership in the City of Philadelphia benefiting its youth.

WHEREAS, In 1967, Sheldon Pavel was awarded a Bachelor of Arts Degree by Temple University; in 1969, he was awarded a Master of Education Degree by Southern Illinois University; and in 1975, he was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy Degree by the University of Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Pavel began his career with the Philadelphia School District in 1969, serving over the years as a teacher of Mathematics and English, a basketball coach, a school store manager, a Vice Principal, and School President, at such high schools as Audenreid, University City, Washington, and finally Central; and

WHEREAS, In 1984, Dr. Pavel became the 13th President of Philadelphia's Central High School, welcoming the School's first female students since its establishment in 1838, helped build the enrollment to what is today the second-highest in the School District at over 2,000 students, and raised its standards; and

WHEREAS, During Dr. Pavel's tenure, Central High School has won national honors, including being recognized as a United States Department of Education Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in 2011; he worked with the alumni to fund and create a new library; and, he, won a prestigious Lindback Award for excellence in Administration; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Pavel was much-beloved by his staff and students, and recognized that “the best part of [his] job is the kids”; and

WHEREAS, Our City is indebted to Sheldon S. Pavel for his remarkable stewardship of Central High School and visionary leadership in advancing the interests of the youth entrusted to him, as well as the long-term interests of the City of Philadelphia; now therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby honors, congratulates, commends, and thanks Sheldon S. Pavel on the occasion of his retirement after 28 years as President of Philadelphia's famed Central High School, during which time Central High School has been nationally-recognized for its academic excellence and student achievement, and for his commitment, dedication, and leadership in the City of Philadelphia benefiting its youth.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Sheldon S. Pavel, further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body.

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