LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Nicole Clough upon the occasion of
her 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 Nicole Clough upon the occasion of her 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, Nicole Clough was nominated for a Student of the Year Award
by St. Lawrence Lewis BOCES; and
WHEREAS, One of five children, Nicole Clough grew up in a split house-
hold and often had to divide her time between her mother and father, but
often ending up spending her time with cousins instead; and
WHEREAS, At 11 years old, Nicole Clough began experiencing severe
migraines which further impacted her youth; and
WHEREAS, Nicole Clough enrolled in the Summer Youth Program at the
Canton One-Stop when she was 15 years old; while there, she met her
mentor Ruth Harmer, who helped Nicole foster her inspiring work ethic;
and
WHEREAS, At age 17, Nicole Clough moved in with her mother and changed
school districts; with very little support in place, she dropped out and
moved in with a friend, and later moved in with a different friend; and
WHEREAS, The following year, after numerous unsuccessful attempts at
employment, Nicole Clough moved back to her mother's house and got back
on the right track; and
WHEREAS, Nicole Clough walked through the doors of the Norwood Adult
Learning Center on February 2, 2011; what transpired from that day
forward is a remarkable example of drive, perseverance, and motivation;
and
WHEREAS, Once at Norwood Adult Learning Center, Nicole Clough was
introduced to Teacher/Case Manager, Betsy Mott and was reunited with
Ruth Harmer of St. Lawrence County One Stop; with the help of these
mentors, Nicole landed in Norwood's GED Fast-Track class, she dually
enrolled in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course in Norwood, and
got her foot in the door at Canton-Potsdam Hospital through the Work-
force Investment Act Title I funding and Ruth Harmer; and
WHEREAS, Driven by an awareness of a better life, Nicole Clough perse-
vered by problem-solving, taking advantage of collaborations, and
utilizing time management; and

WHEREAS, While putting in volunteer hours during the day at the hospi-
tal, Nicole Clough attended CNA class and GED Fast Track by night; and
WHEREAS, In May of 2011, Nicole Clough officially passed her GED test
and received her diploma; the following month, she successfully
completed her Certified Nursing Course and landed a full-time paid posi-
tion as a Unit Clerk at Canton-Potsdam Hospital; and
WHEREAS, Nicole Clough is currently enrolled in a "Rhythm Recognition
Course" at the hospital which is teaching her how to read heart rhythms;
she plans to go on to college to be a Registered Nurse; and
WHEREAS, Through hard work and determination, Nicole Clough has been
successful in overcoming enormous adversity and subsequently breaking
the cycle of poverty that has plagued her family for years; she is most
deserving of this award and exemplifies all that this award intends to
recognize; and
WHEREAS, There are many remarkable stories in the world of adult
education, but few are as impressive as that of Nicole Clough, who
serves as an inspiration to us all; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Nicole Clough upon her 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 Nicole Clough, 17 Allens Falls Road, Potsdam, New York 13676.