Recognizing Mr. Charles Ireland, Principal of Sayre High School, for his life-long dedication to the field of education and applauding and supporting his continued ingenuity, passion, and goals for students, parents, teachers, and the community alike.

WHEREAS, Principal Ireland grew up in West Philadelphia on the 5900 Block of Pine Street with his parents - who, to this day, live in the same home - and his two sisters; and

WHEREAS, Each member of Mr. Ireland's immediate family are in the field of education: his father a retired motivation coordinator teacher, his mother a retired english teacher, one sister a biology teacher, and the other sister a special education teacher; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Ireland earned an associate degree in natural science from Delaware County Community College, a biology degree from Cheyney University and his master's degree in educational leadership from Lehigh University; and

WHEREAS, Principal Ireland aims to structure Sayre High School's curriculum to meet the entry requirements for local universities; and

WHEREAS, In order to create such a curriculum, Mr. Ireland plans to actively engage the community so as to bring in all available resources from the surrounding area's established institutions; and

WHEREAS, By partnering with such entities as The Netter Center for Community Partnerships at The University of Pennsylvania, The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and the Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Education Center, Principal Ireland plans to transform Sayre High School into a Health and Life Science Academy; and

WHEREAS, A goal of The Health and Life Science Academy would be for it to be an inclusive environment as it would provide academic options for students of all abilities; and

WHEREAS, Principal Ireland plans to invest heavily into extracurricular activities such as a student body government, talent shows, and various boys and girls sports teams; and

WHEREAS, In part, the success of Principal Ireland can be traced to his belief that, “Environment is not the sole predictor for an outcome, it is what you do that makes a difference”; now therefore, be it,

RESOLVED, That the Philadelphia City Council, Recognizes Mr. Charles Ireland, Principal of Sayre High School, for his life-long dedication to the field of education and applauding and supporting his continued ingenuity, passion, and goals for students, parents, teachers, and the community alike.

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