OUNTY OF LLEGHENY C A
RICH FITZGERALD COUNTY EXECUTIVE
Proclamation
WHEREAS, Sesame Street, the nation’s longest running children’s television program, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year; to commemorate this special occasion, the Sesame Street Muppets have embarked on a road trip across the country, and we are thrilled they have chosen Allegheny County as one of their stops; and
WHEREAS, Sesame Street, which premiered on public television stations nationwide on November 10, 2019, was created by Joan Ganz Cooney and Lloyd Morrisett to promote early learning through television, with a special focus on reaching underserved children who lacked access to preschool; they developed an innovative, curriculum-based format that included a barrier-breaking cast, Jim Henson’s Muppets, and celebrity guests “hanging out” on a fictional street lined with classic brownstone row houses; and
WHEREAS, while spending time with beloved and iconic characters like Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Grover, Bert and Ernie, Oscar the Grouch, The Count, Abby, Julia, Rosita, and more, preschoolers build a foundation for lifelong learning; they not only learn their ABCs and 123s, but also valuable life lessons, including how to be thoughtful and compassionate, the importance of healthy eating, and ways to cope with challenges such as fear, loss, illness, and bullying; and
WHEREAS, Sesame Street has had a profoundly positive impact across the globe; the program is broadcast in more than 150 countries and in over 70 languages, and it’s watched by almost half of all American preschool-age children; those who watch the show when they’re young have a 16% higher GPA in high school than their peers, and they’re 18% more likely to be employed and 24% more likely to own a home as adults; additionally, Sesame Street has revolutionized educational television – an accomplishment for which it has earned 192 Emmy Awards, more than any other show in history; and
WHEREAS, Sesame Street holds a special place in the hearts of countless Allegheny County residents, and its success and longevity is a testament to its effectiveness at helping generations of young people grow smarter, stronger, and kinder; we commend the show’s efforts to educate children here and around the world and to provide them with a special place filled with love and belonging; we celebrate the program’s exciting milestone, and look forward to all of the great things the team at Sesame Street Workshop will accomplish as it continues to bring joy to millions.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, by virtue of the authority vested in me, do hereby proclaim June 14-15, 2019, as “Sesame Street Days” in Allegheny County. We congratulate Sesame Street’s talented cast and crew, and everyone else associated with the show, on its 50th anniversary, and wish it many more successful years to come.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the County of Allegheny to be affixed this 14th day of June, 2019. Rich Fitzgerald RICH FITZGERALD