Dr. Daniel McCann Superintendent, Hendrick Hudson School System Mr. Tom Baker Athletic Director, Hendrick Hudson School System We, current and former students, parents, faculty, administrators and athletes of Hendrick Hudson High School, along with local elected officials, friends, supporters, businesses and community members, submit this petition to name the court in the Hendrick Hudson High School Gymnasium after head volleyball Coach Diane Swertfager. Coach Swertfager has done more than lead her team to three consecutive New York State volleyball championships. Coach Swertfager has been, and continues to be, a driving force and direct influence in the lives of over 500 young women who have played or managed for her during the past 22 years at Hen Hud. Coach Swertfager’s tenure at Hen Hud has been remarkable. She has led the Lady Sailors to: (an edited listing of accomplishments) • Over 400 victories • 14 League Championships, 12 undefeated • 9 Consecutive Sectional Championships • 6 Consecutive Regional Championships • 5 Consecutive New York State Championship Finals • 3 Consecutive New York State Championships • 5 New York State Team Scholar Athlete Awards • 2 Consecutive High School All-American • 1 NYS Gatorade Player of the Year Finalist • 8 Section 1 players of the year, 4 Consecutively • 42 All-Section selections • 25 All-State Selections • 11 Con Ed Scholar Athletes of the Week • 2 Con Ed Sports Athletic Awardees • 12 Coach of the year honors • Numerous proclamations and citations from local, regional and state governmental officials and municipalities. In addition to all the statistical achievements and coaching accolades that Coach Swertfager has garnered over her 24-year career in High School Volleyball, she has also become one of the most respected figures in New York High School Athletics, serving on the NYSPHSAA Girl Sports – Volleyball committee and as chair for Section 1 Girls Volleyball. Coach Swertfager is an active community leader and philanthropist, rallying her teams to be positive role models for youth, raise money and become advocates for Katrina Relief efforts, Breast Cancer Awareness and the Red Cross. The achievements of the teams led by Coach Swertfager have helped to lift the spirits of our community and rally the student body, i.e., the Bleacher Creatures, who enthusiastically demonstrate their increasing support year after year. By adding our signatures to this petition, we respectfully request that the Hendrick Hudson School District, following the model of Duke University, University of Tennessee and, locally, Peekskill High School; where the schools named their playing courts after active coaches, Krzyzewski, Summit and Panzanaro, respectively, honor Coach Swertfager’s achievements and presence on campus by naming the playing floor in the Hendrick Hudson Gymnasium, Coach "Swertfager" Court. Respectfully, Petitioners for the above titled action It is the intention of the sponsors of this petition to submit to the school district no later then February 27, 2009.