LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Raymell "Ray" Rice upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the Star Spirit Award from the Family
Services of Westchester on April 29, 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, Ray Rice's indomitable spirit and positive attitude, both on
and off the football field, are the primary reason for him being desig-
nated for special recognition; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Raymell "Ray"
Rice upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Star Spir-
it Award from the Family Services of Westchester at its STAR Gala to be
held on Thursday, April 29, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Family Services of Westchester (FSW) seeks to honor those
distinguished individuals whose volunteer efforts have helped to posi-
tively shape the lives of young people in Westchester, New York; and
WHEREAS, From a very young age, Ray Rice has overcome tragedy and
adversity in his life, just like so many youth that Family Services of
Westchester help through programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters, Family
Parent Partnership and in-school collaborations; and
WHEREAS, A native of Westchester, New York, and having been born and
raised in New Rochelle, Ray Rice was a star football player at New
Rochelle High School; he went on to play for Rutgers University where he
set innumerable records, including the school's all-time rushing record
with 910 attempts for a total of 4,926 yards; and
WHEREAS, In the 2008 NFL draft, Ray Rice was chosen 55th overall,
drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the second round; as a rookie, he
finished third on the team with 107 carries for 454 yards; subsequently,
over the past two years, he has been a constant presence in the NFL; and
WHEREAS, During the summers, Ray Rice returns to New Rochelle, New
York, where he started a football camp with hopes to encourage young
people to develop self esteem and talents; an inspirational role model,
he knows how to motivate and support the youth that attend his camp; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Ray Rice regularly volunteers in his community
in many other capacities including tutoring special needs children at
the Barnard School, serving the homeless, and helping at-risk youth; by
such actions, this outstanding young man brings great pride to his
community of Westchester; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Ray Rice has displayed throughout
his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the wellbeing 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 Raymell "Ray" Rice upon the occasion of his designation as recipi-
ent of the Star Spirit Award from the Family Services of Westchester on
April 29, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Raymell "Ray" Rice.