LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Alexander Nivel upon the occasion of his
designation as the 2009 Participant of the Year by Abilities First, Inc.

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those young people within the great Empire State who have
made strong contributions to their communities and who serve as role
models for their peers; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Alexander Nivel upon the occasion of his designation as the 2009 Partic-
ipant of the Year by Abilities First, Inc., to be celebrated on Friday,
April 24, 2009, in Poughkeepsie, New York; and
WHEREAS, Abilities First is an organization which provides vocational,
educational, residential and clinical services to over 2,000 of its
neighbors with disabilities throughout the Mid-Hudson Area; this year's
theme is "Breaking News"; and
WHEREAS, In 2003, Alexander Nivel began receiving services at Abili-
ties First, Inc., which is formerly known as Rehab Programs, Inc.; he is
currently receiving services; and
WHEREAS, Alexander Nivel has a sensory integration disorder and
continues using the services to help with everyday life; he started
occupational therapy first and later began speech therapy; a sixth grade
student at Rombout Middle School in Beacon, New York, Alexander enjoys
reading, bike riding, computers, movies, music, and video games; and
WHEREAS, A Boy Scout of Troop No. 41, Alexander Nivel is a lover of
animals and wants to continue the legacy of Steve Irwin by supporting
the animals' conservation; and
WHEREAS, A believer of the Christian faith, Alexander Nivel believes
that, "with GOD all things are possible"; he also believes he can do all
things through GOD who gives him strength, and knows that GOD has sent
special people into his life to assist with his challenges; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Alexander Nivel upon the occasion of his designation as the 2009
Participant of the Year by Abilities First; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Alexander Nivel.