LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Smaily Ogando upon the occasion of
his designation as the recipient of a NYACCE Adult Student of the Year
Award

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor those indi-
viduals whose character and achievements best exemplify the ideals and
values cherished by the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Smaily Ogando upon the occasion of his designation as the recipient
of a New York Association for Continuing/Community Education (NYACCE)
Adult Student of the Year Award; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion will be celebrated at NYACCE's 29th
Annual Student of the Year Awards and Legislative Event, to be held in
Albany, New York on Wednesday, March 14, 2012; and
WHEREAS, NYACCE represents adult education professionals from across
New York State; a primary mission of NYACCE is to maintain and expand
education and training opportunities for undereducated adults in our
state; and
WHEREAS, NYACCE strives to ensure that the opportunities and successes
afforded these students and thousands of others continue to be avail-
able, and that additional adults in need of these services continue to
be served without barriers; it is well understood that individuals who
continue their education have a better chance at achieving better
employment and a superior quality of life; and
WHEREAS, Smaily Ogando was nominated for a Student of the Year Award
by Freeport Adult Continuing /Community Education Director, Estelle
Weiss, and teachers, Maria Shore, Flory Carmona, and Dona O'Donohoe; and
WHEREAS, A native of the Dominican Republic, Smaily Ogando came to the
United States in July of 2006 and enrolled in Freeport Adult Education's
ESOL class held at the Freeport Memorial Library in September; and
WHEREAS, Smaily Ogando attended high school in the Dominican Republic,
but left when his father secured an immigration visa for him and his
brother; and
WHEREAS, Smaily Ogando entered the ESOL class at a NRS Level One and
progressed throughout the program making steady gains; and
WHEREAS, Known for his tenacity and his exemplary attendance, Smaily
Ogando rode his bike to school no matter what the weather and was there
early waiting for the Library doors to open; and
WHEREAS, In the classroom, Smaily Ogando was an extremely dedicated
and serious student; he excelled in mathematics, and his grasp of rules
of the English language was so impressive, he often out scored the Amer-
icans on that section of the practice tests; and
WHEREAS, An excellent teacher, Smaily Ogando was gracious and helpful
to other students, and would often help his classmates with the patience
and clarity he is noted for; and
WHEREAS, Since arriving in the United States, Smaily Ogando has worked
full time in the evening in a factory which makes perfume bottles; he
has been a faithful son, sending money to his mother in the Dominican
Republic while saving money for college; and
WHEREAS, Smaily Ogando officially passed his GED and received his
diploma in November 2010, becoming a proud graduate; he is most deserv-
ing of this award and exemplifies all that this award intends to recog-
nize; and
WHEREAS, After he attains his American citizenship, Smaily Ogando
plans to continue his education and attend Nassau Community College and
study in the field of computers; and

WHEREAS, There are many remarkable stories in the world of adult
education, but few are as impressive as that of Smaily Ogando, who
serves as an inspiration to us all; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Smaily Ogando upon his designation as the recipient of a
NYACCE Adult Student of the Year Award; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Smaily Ogando.