LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Daniel Freedman upon the occasion of
his designation for special honor, and recognizing his numerous accom-
plishments

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that individuals
with disabilities merit our recognition as they realize goals that serve
to lift barriers and expand choices for all persons with disabilities;
and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend
Daniel Freedman upon the occasion of his designation for special honor,
and to recognize his numerous accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, In addition, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Daniel Freedman upon the occasion of graduating from George
F. Baker High School on June 23, 2011, and will participate in the Lake-
land Regional High School graduation ceremony on June 22, 2011; and
WHEREAS, At the age of 16, Daniel Freedman of Tuxedo, New York, is
already a source of inspiration to all those around him; born with Down
syndrome, this remarkable young man maintains an uncompromising "can do"
state of mind, determined to live life on his own terms; and
WHEREAS, Among his many achievements, Daniel Freedman has become a
Star Scout in Boy Scout Troop 46, an accomplished skier and horseback
rider; he was also an active member of his high school Student Council;
and
WHEREAS, Daniel Freedman has been studying the Korean martial art of
Tae Kwon Do for the past four years; he has been training at the United
Martial Arts Center in Harriman, New York, now the Success Martial Arts
Center, and his quest to earn his black belt has been one of his leading
passions; and
WHEREAS, In addition to martial arts, Daniel Freedman has a great love
for the culinary arts; he is honing his skills with help from Footings
Inc., via the Friendship Club; Footings is a not-for-profit agency based
in Monroe, New York, that provides services for young adults with devel-
opmental disabilities throughout the Hudson Valley region; his ambition
is to attend the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York;
and
WHEREAS, Daniel Freedman also enjoys acting; since he was eight years-
old, he has been in nine school plays while in the Tuxedo School
District, including the 2008 George F. Baker High School's production of
"South Pacific"; furthermore, he had a part in the musical "Once on This
Island", also at George F. Baker High School; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his extraordinary spirit and unwavering
determination, Daniel Freedman was inducted as an honorary member of the
National Junior Honor Society at George F. Baker High in 2007, and
"lettered" in football at Lakeland Regional High School; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such enduring courage and accomplishment are brought to our
attention, it is appropriate to publicly proclaim and commend those
individuals for the edification and emulation of others; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Daniel Freedman upon the occasion of his designation for special
honor, and to recognize his numerous accomplishments; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Daniel Freedman, Tuxedo, New York.