LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Melissa Stewart upon the occasion of her
designation as Citizen of the Year by the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce

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, Melissa Stewart has given not only of her time and energies
but also of her competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently
has been designated for special recognition; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Melissa
Stewart upon the occasion of her designation as Citizen of the Year by
the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce; this auspicious event will be cele-
brated at the 26th Annual Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce Dinner on
Friday, April 29, 2011, at the Cyprus Shrine in Glenmont, New York; and
WHEREAS, Melissa Stewart has been called upon to contribute her time
and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always
given of herself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Melissa Stewart served as founder and operator of the April
Challenge; this program included over 100 individuals who took place in
a fitness challenge to promote healthy living; the winner of the chal-
lenge was able to donate prize funds to the charity of their choosing;
and
WHEREAS, A frequent community volunteer, Melissa Stewart is actively
involved in the Bethlehem Tomboys, a softball league which teaches young
girls, in a fun structured environment, the rules of the game as well as
the life-long skills of teamwork, communication, and high self-esteem;
in addition, this remarkable woman works as a volunteer at Eagle Elemen-
tary School; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Melissa Stewart has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Melissa Stewart has displayed
throughout her life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend individ-
uals of outstanding character, who have shown initiative and commitment
toward constantly pursuing higher goals for themselves, and acting as
role models of leadership to be emulated by both peers and young people;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Melissa Stewart upon the occasion of her designation as Citizen of
the Year by the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Melissa Stewart.