LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Matthew VanDeMortel in recognition of
his heroic actions in saving the lives of two distressed boaters

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the concerned and heroic acts of those citizens within the great
Empire State who would voluntary take immediate and appropriate action
to protect the health and safety of others; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Matthew VanDeMortel in recognition of his heroic actions in saving the
lives of two distressed boaters on Friday, August 12, 2011, on Seneca
Lake, New York; and
WHEREAS, 16 year old Matthew VanDeMortel and his brother Joshua, sons
of Richard and Debra VanDeMortel, were out on a morning fishing excur-
sion on Seneca Lake with their father and sister when they came upon an
emergency situation; these two Boy Scouts instinctively put their Scout-
ing training into action; and
WHEREAS, The VanDeMortel family had been fishing near Belhurst Castle
in an 18-foot motorboat and were headed back to the Chamber of Commerce
launch when they spotted trouble; a canoe had overturned and two men
were in the water, both holding on to their capsized boat; and
WHEREAS, Matthew VanDeMortel and his brother immediately sprang into
action and successfully got the two men aboard their family's motorboat;
Joshua and Matthew turned the capsized boat right side up, emptied it of
water, tied it to their boat and towed it to shore; and
WHEREAS, Geneva High School Junior, Matthew VanDeMortel maintains a 95
GPA and is consistently on the Principal's List; he studies Latin as
well as takes Advanced Placement courses in four core classes; and
WHEREAS, The proud recipient of the esteemed 2011 American Chemical
Society Award for academic achievement in chemistry, Matthew VanDeMortel
plans to attend college to pursue a career in Science and Medicine; and
WHEREAS, An avid runner, Matthew VanDeMortel runs about 70 miles each
week and was the recipient of the 2010 Geneva High School Men's Cross
Country Most Improved Player, 2011 Geneva High School Men's Track Most
Valuable Player, and the 2011 First Place runner at the Annual St.
Patrick's Day 5K Race at the Knights of Columbus; in addition, he
participated in the 2010 New York State track qualifier for 4x8 relay
and the 2011 Section 5 Sectionals for 1 and 2 mile races; and
WHEREAS, Matthew VanDeMortel plays the trumpet in both the Concert
Band and the Marching Bands and is currently teaching himself to play
the electric guitar; he also enjoys snowboarding at Bristol Mountain and
boating on Seneca Lake; and
WHEREAS, Employed by Nick L's Hot Dogs, Matthew VanDeMortel still
finds time to help out neighbors in need, as well as volunteer for
multiple causes and events, including Mussel Man Triathlon, Glenora Wine
Festival, Veterans Field of Honor, Geneva Food Pantry Operation Merry
Christmas, and is a bell ringer for the Salvation Army; and
WHEREAS, As a member of Troop 3, Matthew VanDeMortel is a Senior
Patrol Leader and Life Scout; he is currently preparing for his Eagle
Scout project; and
WHEREAS, In his spontaneous and heroic actions, Matthew VanDeMortel
demonstrated his character and compassion for the welfare of others,
exemplifying the best qualities inherent in our young people; and
WHEREAS, With his sense of civic duty and his commitment to others,
Matthew VanDeMortel represents the best development of the potential
which is inherent in our most precious resource, our youth; now, there-
fore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Matthew VanDeMortel for demonstrating acts of heroism by saving
and assisting two distressed boaters; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Matthew VanDeMortel, 3098 Johnson Road, Geneva, New York.