LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Riverdale Rising Stars upon the occasion
of its designation by the Riverdale Jewish Community Council as the
recipient of the Community Organizational Award at its 26th Annual
Legislative Awards Breakfast on March 21, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those illustrious individuals and organizations of the State of
New York whose purposeful endeavors serve to enhance the quality of life
in their communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is proud to commend the
Riverdale Y's Riverdale Rising Stars and Director Laurie Walton upon the
occasion of their designation by the Riverdale Jewish Community Council
as the recipient of the Community Organizational Award at its 26th Annu-
al Legislative Awards Breakfast, to be held at the Riverdale Y on March
21, 2010; and
WHEREAS, The Riverdale Jewish Community Council's 26th Annual Legisla-
tive Awards Breakfast provides an opportunity to pay tribute to those
who have supported the Council and have helped to further its efforts,
as well as those who exemplify its mission of improving the quality of
life of the citizens it serves; and
WHEREAS, The Riverdale Rising Stars, the Riverdale Y's Teen Theatre
Company, is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year and together with
Director Laurie Walton truly merits this high honor; and
WHEREAS, Directed by Laurie Walton and open to ages 13-18, the program
not only provides an extraordinary musical theater experience for
Riverdale's teens and high-quality entertainment for Riverdale's resi-
dents of all ages, it also produces a "family" of alumni of which it is
most proud -- teens and their parents, siblings and friends who, though
they have gone on to college and beyond are still a part of the River-
dale Rising Stars circle of family and always will be; and
WHEREAS, The Riverdale Rising Stars recently had record-breaking
attendance with its productions of "Rent: School Edition," "Merrily We
Roll Along," and "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee"; and
WHEREAS, "Rent" received three National Youth Theatre Awards: Best
Ensemble Performance, Best Lead Actor in a Musical: Alex Walton, and
Best Lead Actress in a Musical: Mason Taub and the troupe is currently
in production with "The Boyfriend" and plans a reprise of "Rent" for all
to enjoy this summer; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, it is appropriate to publicly proclaim and
commend them for the edification and emulation of others; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the Riverdale Y's Riverdale Rising Stars and Director Laurie
Walton upon the occasion of their designation as the recipient of the
Riverdale Jewish Community Council's Community Organizational Award at
its 26th Annual Legislative Awards Breakfast on March 21, 2010; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Riverdale Y, the Riverdale Rising Stars, and Director
Laurie Walton.