LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Samantha Malis of Merrick 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, Samantha Malis 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, Samantha Malis, 16, of Merrick, New York, and a junior at
John F. Kennedy High School in Bellmore, 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, Samantha Malis will receive an
engraved bronze medallion; and
WHEREAS, Samantha Malis started a charity with her friends in 2007
that has raised more than $120,000 to rescue and care for enslaved chil-
dren in Ghana and to sponsor a weekend exposition which provided free
healthcare to hundreds of needy Americans; and
WHEREAS, Samantha and her fellow volunteers design and sell bracelets,
necklaces, and clothing to help support their worthy endeavors and
educate the public about their charity and experiences by speaking at
schools, community group meetings, and conferences; 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 Samantha Malis, who use
their considerable talents and resources to serve others; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor Samantha Malis,
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 Samantha Malis 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 Samantha Malis.