LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Nicholas Curran upon the occasion
of his designation as the recipient of a NYACCE 2011 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 Nicholas Curran upon the occasion of his designation as the recipi-
ent of a New York Association for Continuing/Community Education
(NYACCE) 2011 Adult Student of the Year Award; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion will be celebrated at NYACCE's
Awards Ceremony in Albany, New York on March 9, 2011; 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, Nicholas Curran was nominated for a 2011 Student of the Year
Award by the St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES; and
WHEREAS, Since Nicholas Curran's upbringing presented him with many
obstacles and hardships, education was not on the top of his priority
list, causing him to miss many days of school, fall behind and eventual-
ly to quit school at seventh grade; and
WHEREAS, After a tumultuous upbringing, Nicholas Curran was given a
second chance; he went to live with his grandmother and with encourage-
ment from her, and this brand new beginning, he set his sights on earn-
ing his GED; and
WHEREAS, In 2009, Nicholas Curran enrolled in the Adult Basic Educa-
tion (ABE) afternoon program despite having a high reading level;
although he did not feel ready for the GED class, he attended class and
came in regularly seeking help, listening, and asking questions; he
developed a keen desire to learn and once he realized that he was capa-
ble of learning, he was hungry for more; and
WHEREAS, As time went on Nicholas Curran grew more confident and began
to actively participate in discussions; he soon mastered the ABE materi-
al and decided to take the practice GED exam; he earned an impressive
score and in June 2010, decided to enroll in the official GED class; and
WHEREAS, Highly motivated, Nicholas Curran became a major contributor
to group discussion, freely spoke his opinions and other students began
to look to him for academic assistance and guidance; and
WHEREAS, Nicholas Curran officially passed his GED and received his
diploma in November 2010, becoming a proud graduate; furthering his
education is now on the top of his list; he is most deserving of this
award and exemplifies all that this award intends to recognize; and
WHEREAS, In time, Nicholas Curran overcame the hurdles that life has
thrown at him; with tremendous hard work and perseverance he has grown
both academically and as a confident young adult; and
WHEREAS, There are many remarkable stories in the world of adult
education, but few are as impressive as that of Nicholas Curran, who
serves as an inspiration to us all; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Nicholas Curran upon his designation as the recipient of a
NYACCE 2011 Adult Student of the Year Award; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Nicholas Curran.