LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Jean Carlos Sevilla upon the occa-
sion 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 Jean Carlos Sevilla 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, Jean Carlos Sevilla was nominated for a Student of the Year
Award by Madison Oneida BOCES; and
WHEREAS, A native of Puerto Rico, Jean Carlos Sevilla encountered
adversity at a very young age; as a child, he witnessed the brutal
shooting of an adult male, and this incident tainted his outlook on
life; and
WHEREAS, Jean Carlos Sevilla's mother moved him out of Puerto Rico to
the Bronx, and later to Tampa Bay, Florida, where he resided throughout
his high school and early adult years; and
WHEREAS, A troubled youth, Jean Carlos Sevilla had several brushes
with the law during his junior high and high school years; these issues
threw barriers up to his attempt to get an education; and
WHEREAS, Jean Carlos Sevilla became the father of two and enrolled in
the BOCES Utica ACCESS Site Welcome Center GED Program on April 12,
2010; and
WHEREAS, Upon entering the program, Jean Carlos Sevilla had completed
the equivalent of 11 years of public education, predominantly in the
state of Florida; and
WHEREAS, With hard work and determination, Jean Carlos Sevilla was
able to stay focused on his goal to obtain a GED and seek employment
while still maintaining his responsibility as a father; and
WHEREAS, Jean Carlos Sevilla officially passed his GED and received
his diploma in April of 2011, becoming a proud graduate; he is most
deserving of this award and exemplifies all that this award intends to
recognize; and
WHEREAS, In addition to earning his GED, Jean Carlos Sevilla was hired
by Walmart in April of 2011; and
WHEREAS, Jean Carlos Sevilla plans to further his education at the
Utica School of Commerce, to major in Business Management; he has aspi-
rations of one day owning his own business in construction and landscap-
ing; and

WHEREAS, Jean Carlos Sevilla was selected as the November 18, 2011,
Inspirational Speaker for the Literacy Coalition of Oneida County; and
WHEREAS, There are many remarkable stories in the world of adult
education, but few are as impressive as that of Jean Carlos Sevilla, who
serves as an inspiration to us all; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Jean Carlos Sevilla 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 Jean Carlos Sevilla, 308 Bacon Street, Apartment 6, 3rd
Floor, Utica, New York 13501.