LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Shelby Smith upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Vidie L. McLaughlin Memorial Scholarship
on June 16, 2012

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to act, in accord with
its long-standing traditions, honoring the youth of today, and leaders
of tomorrow, whose character and achievements best exemplify the ideals
and values cherished by this great State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Shelby Smith upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
Vidie L. McLaughlin Memorial Scholarship by the Black Women's Associ-
ation of Albany, to be celebrated at its 7th Annual Scholarship Luncheon
"Blazing a Path to the Future" on Saturday, June 16, 2012, at the
Desmond Hotel and Conference Center in Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Shelby Smith is a senior at Albany High School who has
succeeded in spite of the odds; and
WHEREAS, After some traumatic life events, Shelby Smith rebounded,
taking Advanced Placement courses in Psychology and Statistics and an
International Baccalaureate course in Spanish; and
WHEREAS, Shelby Smith enjoys solving problems in Math class and has
played volleyball, basketball and soccer; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Shelby Smith participated in the "Future Educa-
tors" mentoring program and the first annual Capital Region Phenomenal
Teen Leadership Program; and
WHEREAS, Shelby Smith was a Girl Scout for eight years and volunteered
at the Capital City Rescue Mission and the Regional Food Bank; she
received an award from the Police Athletic League and was recently given
an Incentive Award from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; and
WHEREAS, An important component of Shelby Smith's life is her service
to the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Youth Choir, Praise Dance Team and
Hospitality Guild Ministry; she has also participated in the AIDS Walk
for a Cure, the Friehofer's Run for Women and the Jump Rope for Heart;
and
WHEREAS, Upon graduation, Shelby Smith plans to attend Delaware State
University, majoring in Political Science with the goal of someday being
a lawyer; and
WHEREAS, Shelby Smith, in achieving this high academic honor, may take
just pride in the inspiration and contribution to the spirit of excel-
lence she brings to her family, friends, community and school; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Shelby Smith upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the Vidie L. McLaughlin Memorial Scholarship on June 16, 2012; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Shelby Smith.