LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Larry McCall upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by the Literacy Volunteers of Sulli-
van County

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
just tribute to those citizens who embody the true American spirit,
demonstrating personal courage and determination, and significantly
contributing to the enhancement of the quality of life of others; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Larry McCall
upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the
Literacy Volunteers of Sullivan County to be celebrated at its 13th
Annual Student, Tutor, and Volunteer Recognition Dinner at the Monticel-
lo Fire Department Community Room in Monticello, New York, on Wednesday,
June 8, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Literacy Volunteers of Sullivan County 501(c)(3) is a not-
for-profit organization, founded in 1994, that provides a variety of
free services to help people achieve personal goals through literacy;
through a trained corps of volunteer tutors, its mission is to foster
and enhance family literacy, to assist adults functioning at low levels
of literacy, and to further proficiency in English as a second language;
it is the goal of Literacy Volunteers of Sullivan County to halt the
rising tide of illiteracy in Sullivan County; and
WHEREAS, Larry McCall became a student with the Literacy Volunteers of
Sullivan County 4 years ago, when he was 50 years old; he had been
successful working in construction all of his life and managed to get by
without having any reading skills; and
WHEREAS, An accident occurred and turned Larry McCall's life around;
he could no longer work in the field of construction and suddenly his
life was propelled down a different and unexpected path; he decided that
it was finally time to face his fears and learn how to read, for
himself, but mostly for his family; and
WHEREAS, When Larry McCall first came through the doors of the Litera-
cy Volunteers of Sullivan County, he could not read even the simplest of
words, which had always created challenging and stressful situations for
him; and
WHEREAS, A year later, with the help of his tutor and a great deal of
hard work on Larry McCall's part, he read his very first book; he had a
strong desire to learn more, and to read more complicated books, and
over the next two years that is exactly what he did; and
WHEREAS, Today, Larry McCall is never without a book; he proudly
carries one with him wherever he goes; and
WHEREAS, Larry McCall's story is one of determination and persever-
ance; the world opened up for him when he learned to read and was
inspired to work with at-risk youth within his community, knowing first-
hand how easy it can be to fall off track; and
WHEREAS, By example, Larry McCall encourages the youth to take pride
in where they live by cleaning up the environment and has even accompa-
nied some of them to plays and cultural events they might not otherwise
have had the opportunity to experience; he remains a constant motivation
to them and a positive influence in their lives; and
WHEREAS, Larry McCall is opening up the world to the youth within his
community in the same way that the world was recently opened up to him;
he is giving back to the young boys and girls in such an important way;
and
WHEREAS, Larry McCall is a treasure and an inspiration to all who have
had the pleasure to know him; he has been given the gift of knowledge

and now he is paying it forward by giving the gift of teaching others;
and
WHEREAS, Larry McCall is a role model for many who face obstacles
similar to those which he has faced and overcome; holding steadfast to
his dream of becoming literate, he accomplished his goals and made his
dream a reality; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Larry McCall upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Literacy Volunteers of Sullivan County; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Larry McCall.