LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Rebecca Allen upon the occasion of her
designation as a Distinguished Finalist in the 15th 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, Rebecca Allen has distinguished herself as a young woman of
superlative ability, establishing a high standard of community service,
purposefulness of life, and sense of responsibility rarely achieved in
youthful years; and
WHEREAS, Rebecca Allen, 17, of Roslyn Heights, New York, and a senior
at Roslyn High School in Roslyn Heights, has achieved national recogni-
tion for exemplary volunteer service by being named a 2010 Prudential
Spirit of Community Distinguished Finalist; and
WHEREAS, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, created in 1995 by
Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of
Secondary School Principals (NASSP), are designed to emphasize the
importance our nation places on service to others, and to encourage all
young Americans to contribute to their communities; and
WHEREAS, As a Distinguished Finalist, Rebecca Allen will receive an
engraved bronze medallion; and
WHEREAS, Rebecca Allen founded a nonprofit organization that has
raised more than $100,000 to provide treatment for people with eating
disorders and educates others about the dangers of focusing excessively
on body image; and
WHEREAS, Rebecca Allen, who used to suffer from an eating disorder
herself, has created an informational brochure, established a website,
www.theprojectheal.org, and given speeches at schools; she has also
organized fundraising events including a benefit brunch and auction;
fashion show; and dress, T-shirt, and bracelet sales; 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 Rebecca Allen, who use
their considerable talents and resources to serve others; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor Rebecca Allen,
commending her for her outstanding record of volunteer service, peer
leadership, and community service and recognizing the value of her
labors and the promise of her future; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations, with
praise and pride, to commend Rebecca Allen for her achievements and to
extend to her the best wishes of this Legislative Body for a future of
purposeful success and well-being, fully confident of her response to
the challenges of a promising future and appreciative of the model she
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 Rebecca Allen.