LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Daniel Freedman upon the occasion of
his designation for special honor, and recognizing his numerous accom-
plishments

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that individuals with
disabilities merit our recognition as they realize goals that serve to
lift barriers and expand choices for all persons with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Daniel Freedman upon the occasion of his designation for special honor,
and recognizing his numerous accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, At the age of 15, Daniel Freedman of Tuxedo, New York, is
already a source of inspiration to all those around him; born with Down
syndrome, Daniel maintains an uncompromising "can do" state of mind,
determined to live life on his own terms; and
WHEREAS, Among his many achievements, Daniel Freedman has become a
Star Scout in Boy Scout Troop 46, an accomplished skier and horseback
rider, and an active member of his high school Student Council; and
WHEREAS, Daniel Freedman has also been studying the Korean martial art
of Tae Kwon Do for the past three years, earning a blue belt; he has
been training at the United Martial Arts Center in Harriman, New York,
now the Success Martial Arts Center, and his quest to earn his black
belt has been one of his leading passions; and
WHEREAS, In addition to martial arts, Daniel Freedman has a great love
for culinary arts; he is honing his skills with help from Footings Inc.,
via the Friendship Club; Footings is a not-for-profit agency based in
Monroe, New York, that provides services for young adults with develop-
mental disabilities throughout the Hudson Valley region; his ambition is
to attend the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York; and
WHEREAS, Daniel Freedman also enjoys acting; since he was 8 years old
he has been in nine school plays while in the Tuxedo School District,
including George F. Baker High School's production of "South Pacific"
last year; this year, he plans to be in rehearsals for two spring plays
at once: he has a part in the musical "Once on This Island" at his old
school, George F. Baker, and is auditioning for a part in "Princess and
the Pea" at his new school, Lakeland Regional High School; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his extraordinary spirit and unwavering
determination, Daniel Freedman was inducted as an honorary member of the
National Junior Honor Society at George F. Baker High in 2007, and most
recently "lettered" in football at Lakeland Regional High School; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such enduring courage and accomplishment are brought to our
attention, it is appropriate to publicly proclaim and commend those
individuals for the edification and emulation of others; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Daniel Freedman upon the occasion of his designation for special
honor, and recognizing his numerous accomplishments; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Daniel Freedman.