LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Charles Bryant upon the occasion of
being named Student of the Year by the New York Association for
Continuing/Community Education

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals who have distinguished themselves
through their exemplary pursuit of education as adults; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Charles Bryant upon the occasion of being named Student of the Year by
the New York Association for Continuing/Community Education to be cele-
brated at its 28th Annual Student Awards and Legislative Event on March
8-9, 2011, in Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Charles Bryant understands better than anyone the value of
education and the challenges and obstacles that are faced by some in
trying to obtain that education, particularly as an adult; and
WHEREAS, The oldest of five children, Charles Bryant acquired many
responsibilities at a young age, taking it upon himself to care for his
younger siblings; and
WHEREAS, While in high school Charles Bryant joined the US Army and
completed his basic training; he later joined the Marines, graduating
second in his class; he served for four years on Parris Island, South
Carolina before returning home; and
WHEREAS, Charles Bryant later found a job as an installer for a build-
ing contractor and started a family; today, he continues in that line of
work and is preparing to earn his GED, all while facing very difficult
personal circumstances; and
WHEREAS, As the sole wage earner for his family, Charles Bryant
supports his ailing wife, three daughters who are all enrolled in
college, and one son who is still in high school; and
WHEREAS, Charles Bryant often works six days a week for 12 hours a
day, while at the same time attending BOCES for the past year and a half
with the aspiration of earning his GED; and
WHEREAS, Working hard to be a role model to his children, Charles
Bryant enjoys sharing in his family's learning and joins with pride in
their educational achievements; and
WHEREAS, Earning his GED will be one of the greatest accomplishments
of Charles Bryant's life; signifying that despite living a lifetime of
struggle and making many mistakes, he was able to rise above much adver-
sity to become an example to the ones he loves; and
WHEREAS, An inspiration to all, Charles Bryant has and continues to be
a beacon of light and hope for his family; and
WHEREAS, A talented and driven man, Charles Bryant has demonstrated
integrity and honor while using Adult Education programming to change
the course of his future; and
WHEREAS, Charles Bryant may now stand with just pride in assessing his
achievements, experiencing the satisfaction of his labors and the joy of
his accomplishments, eager to face the challenge of new ventures; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Charles Bryant upon the occasion of being named Student of the
Year by the New York Association for Continuing/Community Education; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Charles Bryant.