LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Evelyn Ruth Walker Copeland upon the
occasion of receiving the Humanitarian Award from the Women's Welfare
Club of Mt. Vernon

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
Evelyn Ruth Walker Copeland upon the occasion of receiving the Humanita-
rian Award from the Women's Welfare Club of Mt. Vernon; and
WHEREAS, A woman of singular distinction, Evelyn Walker Copeland has
continually demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence,
and diligent leadership in her unwavering service to both her community
and profession; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Salley, South Carolina, Evelyn Walker
Copeland is the seventh of nine children born to Deacon Willie B. Walk-
er, Sr. and Margaret Dunbar Walker; her loving parents stressed the
importance of education and she excelled as a student in the local
public schools; she continued her education and received a Bachelor of
Arts degree from Allen University, Columbia, South Carolina, with a
Major in English and a Minor in Psychology; and
WHEREAS, As a young adult, Evelyn Walker Copeland moved North in
search of better opportunity; she decided to pursue a career as a teach-
er, receiving a second Bachelor's degree and New York State Certif-
ication in Elementary Education from Russell Sage College in Albany, New
York; she also attended Bank Street's "Summer Institute" in 1991 with a
concentration in Early Childhood Education; and
WHEREAS, Upon graduating from Russell Sage College, Evelyn Walker
Copeland later moved to Mt. Vernon, New York, where from 1971 until
1987, she served as Head Teacher at the Mount Vernon Day Care Center;
since 1987, she has served as a Child Care Consultant for the Child Care
Council of Westchester; in this capacity, she provides leadership as a
Specialist/Trainer for registered family child care providers in West-
chester County; and
WHEREAS, Despite her busy professional life, Evelyn Walker Copeland
has been called upon to contribute her time and talents to countless
civic and charitable endeavors and has always given of herself unstint-
ingly; and
WHEREAS, A woman of great faith, Evelyn Walker Copeland was ordained
as a Deacon at Grace Baptist Church in 1997; she also serves as an
election poll worker and participates in numerous community activities;
and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Evelyn Walker Copeland has stood
constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her two daughters, Lisa A.
Copeland and The Reverend Leslie Copeland Tune, as well as her two
grandchildren, Aman Victoria and Jordan Romal, all of whom feel privi-
leged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Evelyn Walker Copeland has displayed
throughout her life; 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 Evelyn Ruth Walker Copeland upon the occasion of receiving the
Humanitarian Award from the Women's Welfare Club of Mt. Vernon; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Evelyn Ruth Walker Copeland.