LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Michael O'Donnell upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the Student Enrichment Award on May 10,
2011

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, Michael O'Donnell has given not only of his time and energies
but also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently
has been designated for special commendation; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Michael
O'Donnell upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
Student Enrichment Award by the Archbishop Stepinac High School to be
celebrated at its Inaugural Trustees Awards Reception at 42 The Restau-
rant in White Plains, New York, on Tuesday, May 10, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1948, the Archbishop Stepinac High School's
mission is to offer young men a highly competitive academic and extra-
curricular program that will prepare them for college and leadership
roles; the faculty and staff accomplish these objectives by pursuing
excellence and creating a supportive, disciplined atmosphere with a
strong sense of camaraderie and Christian values; and
WHEREAS, Michael O'Donnell of White Plains, is a graduate of Blessed
Sacrament High School as well as lona College and has made a significant
contribution to enriching the lives of Stepinac High School students;
and
WHEREAS, In 1980, Michael O'Donnell joined the Stepinac High School
staff; he started coaching the basketball team in 1982, and remained in
that position for the next 10 years; in 1988, he became Stepinac's sixth
Head Football Coach; and
WHEREAS, Over the next 23 years, Stepinac High School won four divi-
sion titles and three Catholic High School Football League AA Champion-
ships, including its first-ever undefeated, 12-0 record in the 2010
season when Coach Michael O'Donnell was named Coach of the Year by the
JOURNAL NEWS; and
WHEREAS, Under his luminous leadership numerous student athletes have
gone on to play football at the collegiate level and three have made it
to the esteemed professional ranks of football, basketball and baseball;
and
WHEREAS, In 2006, Coach Michael O'Donnell took on the role of
Stepinac's Athletic Director and Chair of the Athletic Department; and
WHEREAS, Notable educators and athletic coaches, such as Coach Michael
O'Donnell, who serve the youth of this great Empire State and who have
distinguished themselves and their schools through outstanding commit-
ment and exemplary athletic achievement should be applauded; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, 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
honor Michael O'Donnell upon the occasion of his designation as recipi-
ent of the Student Enrichment Award on May 10, 2011; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Michael O'Donnell.