Resolution 260625

..Title Also naming the 1400 Block of Green Street as "Coach Ken Hamilton Way," in honor of Kenneth "Ken" Hamilton, affectionately known as "Coach Ham," for his extraordinary record of leadership, mentorship, and service to generations of young people in Philadelphia. ..Body WHEREAS, Kenneth "Ken" Hamilton, affectionately known throughout Philadelphia as "Coach Ham," devoted decades of his life to educating, coaching, and mentoring young people at Benjamin Franklin High School; and WHEREAS, Coach Hamilton served for 28 years as the head basketball coach at Benjamin Franklin High School, building one of the most respected and successful programs in the history of Philadelphia high school basketball; and WHEREAS, During his distinguished coaching career, Coach Hamilton led Benjamin Franklin High School to 456 victories and four Philadelphia Public League basketball championships; and WHEREAS, Coach Hamilton's first Public League championship came in 1981, when Benjamin Franklin High School defeated Frankford High School and captured its first league title since 1952; and WHEREAS, Coach Hamilton retired as the winningest coach in Philadelphia Public League basketball history at that time, leaving behind a record of sustained excellence and an enduring standard for coaches across the City; and WHEREAS, Coach Hamilton's legacy cannot be measured solely by victories and championships, as he consistently used athletics as a vehicle to teach discipline, perseverance, accountability, teamwork, and respect; and WHEREAS, As an educator and mentor, Coach Hamilton had a lasting impact on generations of Benjamin Franklin High School students, including young people who carried his lessons forward through their families, professions, and service to the community; and WHEREAS, Coach Hamilton's life and work reflect the finest traditions of Philadelphia public education and Philadelphia basketball: excellence rooted in service, leadership grounded in character, and a commitment to ensuring that young people have the opportunity to thrive; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the 1500 Block of Green Street shall henceforth also be known as "Coach Ken Hamilton Way," in honor of Kenneth "Ken" Hamilton and his extraordinary contributions to the young people, schools, and communities of Philadelphia. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to Kenneth "Ken" Hamilton as evidence of the sincere admiration, appreciation, and respect of this legislative body. ..End