LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Christopher Johnston upon the occasion
of his designation as the recipient of a U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency 2013 President's Environmental Youth Award

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the continuing
welfare of the citizens of this great State and nation is greatly
enriched by the purposeful endeavors of individuals and organizations
committed to the preservation of our environment, and to the enhancement
of appreciation for the distinctive features of our natural
surroundings; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
commend Christopher Johnston upon the occasion of his designation as the
recipient of a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2013 Presi-
dent's Environmental Youth Award; and
WHEREAS, The EPA presents Environmental Quality Awards annually during
Earth Week to individuals, businesses, government agencies, environ-
mental and community-based organizations and members of the media; and
WHEREAS, The awards recognize significant contributions to improving
the environment and public health in the previous calendar year; New
York State's recipients for their achievements in protecting public
health and the environment; and
WHEREAS, The President's Environmental Youth Award, given each year to
just 10 students from across the country, was awarded to Christopher
Johnston, a high school student from Manhasset, New York; and
WHEREAS, Christopher Johnston is the filmmaker behind Take The Chal-
lenge!, a documentary which encourages people to take action to protect
the environment; it raises awareness of topics including ocean acidifi-
cation and the effects of carbon dioxide, and includes participation
from Philippe Cousteau of Earth Echo International and United Nations
Secretary General Ban Ki-moon; and
WHEREAS, Take The Challenge has aired on public television in New York
City and on public television and Cablevision on Long Island; and
WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon every citizen to recognize that we are
all stewards of our environment and to applaud the efforts of individ-
uals such as Christopher Johnston who work tirelessly to protect our
environment and natural surroundings for the benefit of present and
future generations; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Christopher Johnston upon the occasion of his designation as the
recipient of a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 2013 President's
Environmental Youth Award presented to him at the EPA's Annual Awards
Ceremony on April 19, 2013; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Christopher Johnston.