LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Carlos M. Valdez upon the occasion
of being named a Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to act, in accord with
its long-standing traditions, honoring the youth of today, and leaders
of tomorrow, whose character and achievements best exemplify the ideals
and values cherished by this great State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Carlos M. Valdez upon the occasion of being named a Boys & Girls
Club Youth of the Year; and
WHEREAS, Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys &
Girls Club member can receive; this auspicious award recognizes the
outstanding contributions to a member's family, school, community and
the Boys & Girls Club, as well as the rise above many personal chal-
lenges and obstacles; and
WHEREAS, Carlos M. Valdez grew up in Baruch Houses, a diverse develop-
ment that reflects the dynamism and sense of community that character-
izes the Lower East Side of Manhattan; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable young man has thrived in the Boys & Girls
Club Edgies Clubhouse, run by Educational Alliance, a vital community
institution that serves thousands of Lower East Side residents; and
WHEREAS, Carlos M. Valdez has involved himself in many Educational
Alliance activities, including digital photography, improvisational
acting, SAT preparation, college prep mentoring, and peer tutoring; and
WHEREAS, He has aimed high by attending Bard High School Early
College, an academically challenging high school and early college
program, where he worked hard to persevere and thrive in such a chal-
lenging environment, putting himself on track to be awarded both a high
school diploma and an associates degree before reaching the age of 18;
and
WHEREAS, Carlos M. Valdez will be continuing his education with plans
to earn a bachelor's degree in engineering, and with that education, he
has expressed an admirable desire to continue making extraordinary
contributions to both his family and his community; and
WHEREAS, In his youth, Carlos M. Valdez has already become a valuable
asset to his community, performing volunteer work and serving as an
assistant teacher at his church as well as a member of the youth minis-
try; and
WHEREAS, Though Carlos M. Valdez has already accomplished an enormous
amount, he has much more to give in the coming years; and
WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose, this
young man now stands honorably, with just pride in his accomplishments
and in eager anticipation of future challenges, understanding and appre-
ciating the caring support provided by his family, his friends and his
community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Carlos M. Valdez upon the occasion of being named Youth of
the Year, and to wish him continued success in all his future endeavors;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Carlos M. Valdez and to the Educational Alliance.