LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Nancy Young upon the occasion of
her designation for special recognition as recipient of the NYACCE Adult
Student of the Year Award

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor those indi-
viduals whose character and achievements best exemplify the ideals and
values cherished by 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 proud to congratulate
Nancy Young upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition
as recipient of the New York Association for Continuing/Community Educa-
tion (NYACCE) Adult Student of the Year Award; this auspicious occasion
will be celebrated at a NYACCE Awards Ceremony to be held on Wednesday,
March 4, 2009; and
WHEREAS, NYACCE represents adult education professionals from across
New York State; a primary mission of NYACCE is to maintain and expand
education and training opportunities for undereducated adults in our
state; and
WHEREAS, NYACCE strives to ensure that the opportunities and success
afforded these students and thousands of others continues to be avail-
able, and that additional adults in need of these services continue to
be served without barriers; it is well understood that individuals who
continue their education have a better chance at achieving better
employment and a superior quality of life; and
WHEREAS, Nancy Young of Massena, New York, was nominated by the St.
Lawrence-Lewis BOCES for the NYACCE Adult Student of the Year Award; and
WHEREAS, Beginning in December 2005, at age 55, Nancy Young sought out
information regarding the GED program; she enrolled in the program while
working two jobs, giving her only enough time to attend evening class
one night per week; and
WHEREAS, Encouraged by her grown children and husband to pursue her
goal of attaining a GED, Nancy Young then began attending the morning
GED program everyday during intervals in her job as a Head Start bus
monitor; and
WHEREAS, Facing many hurdles and personal crises, Nancy Young perse-
vered in her studies and improved with every test; by the time she had
finished her course work she had raised her reading score to 11.3 and
her mathematics score to over 12.9; and
WHEREAS, During the course of her enrollment in the GED program, Nancy
Young opened up and became an integral part of the program; she would
often provide comic relief, support, and encouragement to the other
students; and
WHEREAS, Persistent in her desire to succeed, Nancy Young took the GED
examination in May 2007 and April 2008 before joyously reaching her goal
and passing in July 2008 and receiving her diploma; and
WHEREAS, Since earning her GED, Nancy Young has continued to work for
Head Start and has taken several classes with the BOCES Adult and
Continuing Education program; and
WHEREAS, There are many remarkable stories in the world of adult
education, but few are as impressive as that of Nancy Young, who serves
as an inspiration to us all; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Nancy Young upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition as recipient of the NYACCE Adult Student of the Year
Award; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Nancy Young, Massena, New York.