New York State Senator Thomas P. Morahan (R-C-I, New City) has selected Preston Hollander of Garnerville to receive the New York State Senate Achievers’ Award. The prestigious award recognizes an individual’s ability to overcome personal physical challenges and honors his accomplishments on behalf of our community.
Senator Morahan stated, "The Achievers’ Award is an honor that recognizes the triumph of individual’s over sometimes daunting physical challenges and is bestowed on those whose efforts serve as an example of courage, personal excellence and achievement for our entire community. I look forward to honoring Preston Hollander who has overcome challenges and is a young man whom we can all be proud of in this community."
Preston Hollander is 34 years old. At age 16, as a result of a tragic diving accident, Preston was left a quadriplegic, paralyzed from the neck down with limited use of his upper extremities. After treatment at Nyack Hospital, and over a year of therapy at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, he was determined not to let a traumatic experience curtail his future. Preston graduated 5th in his high school class and graduated from Iona College with a BBA in Management and Information Services. Preston is a valued full-time Systems Services Technician at Rockland County's Department of General Services, MIS Department.
Said Preston Hollander: "It is my belief that my strong will & the support of my friends and family continue to give me the strength needed to go about life one day at a time."
Senator Morahan will present Preston Hollander with the Senate Achievers' Award on April 24, 2007, at a ceremony at the State Capitol in Albany in conjunction with Senate Disabilities Awareness Day.
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