Assembly Resolution No. 862

BY: M. of A. Lemondes

HONORING Damon Gilstrap upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Chancellor's Award
for Student Excellence

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend
individuals of outstanding character, who have shown initiative and
commitment toward constantly pursuing higher goals for themselves, and
acting as role models of leadership to be emulated by both peers and
young people; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Damon Gilstrap upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence; and

WHEREAS, The Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence honors State
University of New York students who have best demonstrated their
integration of academic excellence with other aspects of their lives,
which may include leadership, campus involvement, athletics, career
achievement, community service or creative and performing arts; and

WHEREAS, Established in 1998, the Chancellor's Award for Student
Excellence is the highest student recognition in the State University of
New York (SUNY) system; and

WHEREAS, As recipient of this most prestigious award, Damon
Gilstrap, who will graduate from Onondaga Community College (OCC) in May
with a degree in social services, truly embodies the power of SUNY; and

WHEREAS, A proven leader and role model, this extraordinary man is
being recognized not only for academic achievement, but also for the
profound impact he has had on OCC and the community-at-large; and

WHEREAS, Everything about Damon Gilstrap, from his walk to his voice
to his accolades, has been hard won; the first half of his life was
marked by tragedies and until 2015, he had only a fifth-grade education;
and

WHEREAS, Damon Gilstrap overcame much adversity, including the
untimely death of his mother, the foster care system and incarceration,
and landed a job he loved as a groundskeeper for the Syracuse Housing
Authority; but soon thereafter, in 2006, he suffered a stroke from three
undetected brain tumors; and

WHEREAS, During this time, although being told by doctors he would
never maneuver without a walker, Damon Gilstrap built an obstacle course
in his backyard out of old tires, cinderblocks and rope; he
painstakingly navigated the course repeatedly until he was walking on
his own two feet; and

WHEREAS, In 2015, Damon Gilstrap went back to school to get his high
school equivalency and college preparation certificates at the Syracuse

Educational Opportunity Center before beginning his education at OCC;
and

WHEREAS, Damon Gilstrap's determination is inexhaustible and he
directs it towards people who might share in his courage; he has given
tirelessly of his time and energies within the prison system, mentoring
incarcerated youth; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, with a steadfast and unwavering commitment to
giving back, he volunteered with the 100 Black Men of Syracuse, Inc. and
worked with The Grace Project as a mentor; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his successful educational endeavors, Damon
Gilstrap published his first book, From Tragedy to Homeless to Triumph,
in 2014; he is also the recipient of the Norman R. McConney Jr. Award
for student excellence; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his loving partner, Angela,
and his older brother, Shawn, both of whom feel privileged to be a part
of his life and rejoice in his many achievements; and

WHEREAS, As Damon Gilstrap takes his leave of OCC, he bequeaths a
legacy of academic achievement, school involvement and community service
to which others may aspire; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Damon Gilstrap upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Damon Gilstrap.