LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Deacon Gwendolyn Youngs upon the occa-
sion of her designation for special recognition by the Women's Ministry
of Grace Baptist Church at its Women's Convocation Weekend, May 14-16,
2010

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize those
individuals of preeminent character whose lives exemplify the highest
ideals of humanity and whose lifework and civic endeavor serve to
enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great State of
New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Deacon Gwendolyn Youngs upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by the Women's Ministry of Grace Baptist Church at its
Women's Convocation Weekend, May 14-16, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1888, Women's Ministry of Grace, beginning the
year of its 100th Anniversary, 1988, annually selects five women to be
placed onto the "Wall of Distinction" which is currently housed in the
Chapel of Grace; and
WHEREAS, A woman of singular distinction, Deacon Youngs has contin-
ually demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence, and
diligent leadership in her unwavering service to her community and faith
and consequently has been chosen for this most prestigious honor; and
WHEREAS, Gwendolyn (Gwynne) Youngs was born one of seven children in
Atlanta, Georgia, to the late Elizabeth Barton Stone and Emmett Harvey;
she was the only girl born of this union; she attended public schools in
the Bronx and at an early age knew that she was meant to be an educator;
and
WHEREAS, Gwynne Youngs earned her Bachelor's degree in
Psychology/Education from Hunter College and her first Master's degree
in Special Education also from Hunter College; she earned her second
Master's degree in Supervision and Administration from City College of
New York and then she realized she wanted to train other teachers on how
best to educate children; in addition, she received Certificates of
Completion after taking four online courses at Harvard University Gradu-
ate School of Education; and
WHEREAS, Deacon Gwendolyn Youngs currently works as an Assistant Prin-
cipal at I.S. 318, a middle school in the central Bronx area; she
believes in children and understands that all children can learn; she
knows that children must be motivated and challenged to succeed; and
WHEREAS, Deacon Gwendolyn Youngs taught elementary school and middle
school children for 20 years before becoming an administrator; as an
administrator, she constantly strives to motivate teachers and students
to aim higher; she has received many certificates and awards for achiev-
ing and demonstrating excellence in education; and
WHEREAS, Deacon Gwendolyn Youngs' life positively changed when she met
and married Clarence Youngs; from this union, four children completed
their family, Heather, Clarence, Jr., Vanessa and Travis; Clarence and
Gwynne are also the proud grandparents of Jaden, Maxine, and Mia; and
WHEREAS, In 1989, Deacon Gwendolyn Youngs was baptized by Reverend W.
Franklyn Richardson; she started Girl Scout Troop 1623 at Grace Baptist
Church and was its leader for 13 years; in 2002, Gwynne was ordained to
the Deaconate Ministry at Grace Baptist Church; and
WHEREAS, Deacon Gwendolyn Youngs loves serving the membership of Grace
Baptist Church; she is actively involved with the Women's Ministry,
MOCCA, Transportation Ministry, Children's Church, Inside Grace (IG)
Magazine, Grace Innovation Ministry, Book Club, exercise class, and is

one of the instructors for the New Disciples' Class; she is a true asset
to society; and
WHEREAS, Despite her busy professional life, Deacon Youngs has also
been called upon to contribute her time and talents to countless civic
and charitable endeavors and has always given of herself unstintingly;
and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, intellect and commitment as that demonstrated by Deacon
Gwendolyn Youngs over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being 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
commend Deacon Gwendolyn Youngs upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition by the Women's Ministry of Grace Baptist Church at
its Women's Convocation Weekend, May 14-16, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Deacon Gwendolyn Youngs.