LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Bill Briggs upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of a Community Leadership Award

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Bill
Briggs upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Community
Leadership Award; and
WHEREAS, The Community Leadership Award is presented to people who
have demonstrated outstanding leadership in their community and have had
a positive effect on their community through their work and dedication;
and
WHEREAS, For more than 38 years, under the leadership of Executive
Director Bill Briggs, the National Academy of Jr. Tennis and Youth
Development, Youth and Tennis, Inc. of New York City has been providing
outstanding tennis instruction and academic and social support services
to children, adolescents and their families in New York City; based in
Queens County, the program has positively impacted the quality of life
for numerous youth and families; and
WHEREAS, Since 1972, Bill Briggs has sought to encourage youth to
become socially, emotionally and physically more competent not only for
competition in tennis, but for competition in life; and
WHEREAS, The Youth and Tennis, Inc. has had long-standing involvement
in community life and has fostered strong relationships with school
principals, teachers, community leaders, law enforcement bodies and
civic organizations; the participants' enrollment in the program has led
to professional tennis careers and countless athletic scholarships
throughout the country; and
WHEREAS, Project Give Back is an opportunity for the advanced player
to share with younger children the wonderful gifts they have acquired
through the Youth and Tennis program; as an older adolescent, the child
will learn the value of nurturing and helping others, and the students
that the child assists will gain respect for adolescents and view the
older child as a role model; in addition, Project Give Back provides an
opportunity for the student to receive credit towards volunteer school
requirements for college admission; and
WHEREAS, The mission of the Youth and Tennis, Inc. is to provide
personal development of all participants so that they are strongly
prepared to meet today's challenges as mature young adults; this mission
encourages each student to strive for greatness in their daily lives;
and
WHEREAS, Graduating from Cornell University's Medical Sloan Kettering
School of Cytology and a medical laboratory technologist by profession,
Bill Briggs is married to Belinda Johnston Briggs, M.D.; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Bill Briggs's distinguished record
merits the recognition and respectful tribute of this Legislative Body;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Bill Briggs upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a
Community Leadership Award; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Bill Briggs.