LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Colin Leslie upon the occasion of
being named one of the top two youth volunteers in New York for 2009, in
the 14th Annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to act, in accord with
its long-standing traditions, honoring the youth of today, and leaders
of tomorrow, whose character and achievements exemplify the ideals and
values cherished by this great State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Colin Leslie has distinguished himself as a young man of
superlative ability, establishing a high standard of community service,
purposefulness of life, and sense of responsibility rarely achieved in
youthful years; and
WHEREAS, Colin Leslie, a junior at Rye High School, Rye, New York, has
achieved national recognition for exemplary volunteer service by being
named one of the top two youth volunteers in New York for 2009, in the
14th Annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program; and
WHEREAS, This prestigious award, presented by Prudential Financial in
partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Princi-
pals, honors young volunteers across America who have demonstrated an
extraordinary commitment to serving their communities; and
WHEREAS, As a State Honoree, 17 year-old Colin Leslie will receive an
engraved silver medallion, as well as a trip to Washington, D.C. for a
series of national recognition events; and
WHEREAS, At the age of 14, Colin Leslie was diagnosed with celiac
disease, a genetic autoimmune disorder, subsequently, he has raised a
significant amount of funds as well as awareness to benefit the Celiac
Disease Center at Columbia University by organizing the Colin Leslie
Walk for Celiac Disease, an annual event that has been held for the past
three years; and
WHEREAS, All of the proceeds raised from each successful walkathon
have been used to promote awareness for this debilitating disease as
well as research, with the hope that one day a cure will be found; and
WHEREAS, The success of the State of New York, the strength of our
communities, and the vitality of American society depend, in great meas-
ure, upon the dedication of young people like Colin Leslie, who use
their considerable talents and resources to serve others; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor Colin Leslie,
commending him for his outstanding record of volunteer service, peer
leadership, and community service and recognizing the value of his
labors and the promise of his future; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations, with
praise and pride, to commend Colin Leslie for his achievements and to
extend to him the best wishes of this Legislative Body for a future of
purposeful success and well-being, fully confident of his response to
the challenges of a promising future and appreciative of the model he
represents for all young people of the Empire State; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Colin Leslie.