LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating the 2009 recipients of the David
Evans, Jr. Scholarship, in recognition of their outstanding academic
accomplishments

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor the youth of
today, the leaders of tomorrow, whose character and achievements best
exemplify the ideals and values cherished by this great State and
Nation; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late the 2009 recipients of the David Evans, Jr. Scholarship, in recog-
nition of their outstanding academic achievements; and
WHEREAS, The David Evans, Jr. Scholarship is named after a young man
of extraordinary distinction; a graduate of Kensington High School,
Private David Evans, Jr. was deployed to Iraq from the 977th Military
Police Company in Fort Riley, Kansas; and
WHEREAS, Private David Evans, Jr. made the ultimate sacrifice while
proudly serving his country as a member of the United States Armed
Services; and
WHEREAS, A valiant soldier, Private David Evans, Jr. received a Bronze
Star and a Purple Heart for his service; and
WHEREAS, Prior to his deployment, David Evans, Jr. served as an intern
for Masten District Councilman Antoine M. Thompson in the summer of
2003; and
WHEREAS, After David Evans, Jr.'s untimely passing, Senator Antoine M.
Thompson began this most prestigious scholarship and had the distinct
honor of awarding the very first one; and
WHEREAS, David Evans, Jr.'s legacy serves as an inspiration for all
Americans and New Yorkers; he will be forever remembered by his mother
and father, Esther and David, Sr., siblings, Tijuana, Tiffany, Jennifer,
Steven, Jr., Lamar and Vaughn, grandmother, Madeline, and great-grand-
mother, Annie, as well as many friends for his luminous smile and giving
heart; and
WHEREAS, The 2009 recipients of the David Evans, Jr. Scholarship are:
Nakeata Hill, Daemen College; Sherrill McLean, Buffalo State College;
Jenna Geracitano, Ithaca College; Alexis Schmidtke, SUNY at Brockport;
Elizabeth Gardner, Prairie View A&M University; Brittany M. Williams,
SUNY at Fredonia; James McDonald, D'Youville College; George Alexander,
Syracuse University; Keon Hall, Canisius College; and Curtis Gardner,
Jr., Johnson C. Smith University, all of whom may now stand with pride
as they assess their achievements, experience the satisfaction of their
labors and the joy of their accomplishments, eager to face the new expe-
riences of a challenging world; and
WHEREAS, These exceptional students represent the best of developed
potential inherent in our most precious resource, our youth; their
achievements have brought enduring honor to their families and communi-
ties and should be recognized and saluted; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those
students of outstanding character, who have shown initiative and commit-
ment toward constantly pursuing higher goals for themselves, and acting
as role models of leadership to be emulated by their peers; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the 2009 recipients of the David Evans, Jr. Scholarship, in
recognition of their outstanding academic accomplishments, and to extend
to them the best wishes of this Legislative Body for a future of
purposeful success and well-being; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the aforementioned honorees.