LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating 23 honorees upon the occasion of
their designation as recipients of the 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King Award
for Character, Leadership and Excellence

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individ-
uals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its
citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late 23 honorees upon the occasion of their designation as recipients of
the 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King Award for Character, Leadership and
Excellence to be celebrated on January 26, 2012, by the Greater Communi-
ty in Elmont, New York; and
WHEREAS, The outstanding honorees include: Gregory Calvaire, Patrick
LaRoque, Thomas Brown, Jasmine Williams, Dylan Richards, Dyani Dawes,
Calveti Nyabingi, Brianna St. Louis, Bria Fisher, Cameron Goulbourne,
Jeffrey Cadet, Kyla Ridley, Grace Cho, Shebin Thomas, Michael Braun,
Kyle Johnson, Christopher Rothwell, Elijah Ross, Taylor Palmer, Jonathan
Toussaint, Daniel Alexander, Rashaan Evans, and Bria Duhaney; and
WHEREAS, The month of February acknowledges the rich and diverse
heritage of our great State and Nation; Black History Month seeks to
emphasize that Black History is American History; and
WHEREAS, The 2012 honorees have distinguished themselves through
outstanding success in character, leadership, excellence and community
involvement; they are all true assets to society; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by individuals
for the benefit of others which these 23 honorees have displayed
throughout their lives; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the life in their community and have shown a sustained commit-
ment to excellence 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
congratulate the 23 honorees upon the occasion of their designation as
recipients of the 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King Award for Character, Lead-
ership and Excellence; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the aforementioned honorees.