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WHEREAS, Sam Costanzo has devoted his life to the cause of juvenile rehabilitation and is the architect, guiding hand, driving force and CEO behind The Academy Charter School, Sleepy Hollow Academy, Summit Academy, and The Academy, all of which take delinquent children from the court system and put them through a unique, high quality rigorous series of programs including academics, counseling, industrial trades training, athletics and community service in a totally therapeutic environment to turn their lives around from a life of crime to a life as productive members of society; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Costanzo's facilities have twice been recognized with the highest recognition by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities or CARF, an independent, non-profit accreditor of health and human services which evaluates facilities to ensure that their programs, services and employees are of the highest quality; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Costanzo, himself, was specifically praised for showing talent and enthusiastic, committed leadership, communicating his passion for high-quality service and his vision for continued improvement and for hiring staff of exceptional quality; and
WHEREAS, this is a group of facilities that Mr. Costanzo runs along with his well-trained, caring and loving staff who believe in Mr. Costanzo's philosophies and put them into action; and
WHEREAS, since opening the first facility in 1982, Mr. Costanzo has benefited more than 20,000 juvenile offenders, both young men and women, providing opportunities for change within the schools' nationally acclaimed programs and holistic rehabilitative system, and because this system is so successful, it has been suggested that Mr. Costanzo discuss his program and philosophies with our providers around the country; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Costanzo has been honored by his alma mater, Duquesne University, as a Century Club Distinguished Alumni, a Sports Hall of Fame Inductee in which he was honored as a "Builder" for successfully re-establishing the University's football team after a 20-year hiatus; he also was honored by the non-profit group, The Visionaries, with the Visionary Award which was highlighted on the television show of the same name; and
WHEREAS, very active in his community, Mr. Costanzo has also contributed his time, both in the past and currently by serving on boards which include Duquesne University, the Mel Blount Youth Homes, and Big Brothers & Sisters, and has been asked to be a Guest Speaker at Bryn Mawr College, Cornell University, Penn State University, Duquesne University, West Chester University, Cheyney University, and University of Pittsburgh; and
WHEREAS, few people can say they have touched the lives of so many without having a wonderful family behind them, Mr. Costanzo is blessed by the support of his wife Barbara, daughter Suzanne and her husband Matthew, son Salvatore, daughter Stephanie and her husband James, and daughter Cynthia and her husband Joe, as well as six grandchildren;
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh commends Sam Costanzo for his innovative work with delinquent children giving them the education, training and coping skills needed to better themselves in the world and does declare Tuesday, June 6, 2011, "Samuel A. Costanzo Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.