LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Tamara A. Bland upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Youth Advocate Award on March 21, 2010

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, Tamara A. Bland has given not only of her time and energies
but also of her competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently
has been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Tamara A. Bland upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
Youth Advocate Award to be celebrated in recognition of Women's History
Month on March 21, 2010, at a ceremony held at the Erie County Histor-
ical Society, Buffalo, New York; and
WHEREAS, Tamara A. Bland is presently employed by Travelers Insurance
Company as a Unit Manager of the First Party Medical Litigation Unit;
she is both the youngest and the only African-American Manager in the
Buffalo, New York office; she also served as the company's represen-
tative at the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony in 2009; and
WHEREAS, Tamara A. Bland is a graduate of Niagara University, where
she earned a Master's degree in Criminal Justice with the highest honors
(GPA 3.98); and
WHEREAS, She is also a graduate of Canisius College with a Bachelor of
Arts degree in Psychology; while in college, she participated in several
student organizations, including the Black Students Association and
Student Government; and
WHEREAS, Tamara A. Bland is a lifelong resident of Buffalo, New York;
she attended Poplar Academy, where she graduated at the top of her
class; she then attended Seneca Vocational High School; thee, she was a
student athlete, participating in basketball, volleyball, and track and
field; while at Seneca she earned several honors, including: WHO'S WHO
AMONG HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS, National Honor Society, Senior Class Presi-
dent, and Salutatorian; and
WHEREAS, Currently, Tamara A. Bland serves as a mentor to youth in her
community as well as the youth at her place of employment who aspire to
achieve excellence; and
WHEREAS, Tamara A. Bland has been called upon to contribute her time
and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always
given of herself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Tamara A. Bland has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Tamara A. Bland has displayed
throughout her life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Tamara A. Bland upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the Youth Advocate Award on March 21, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Tamara A. Bland.