LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Natalie Thomas upon the occasion
of her designation as recipient of the 2013 Pathfinder Award by the
Hempstead Town Board

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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Natalie
Thomas upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2013
Pathfinder Award by the Hempstead Town Board at the town's Annual Path-
finder Awards Ceremony; and
WHEREAS, Supervisor Kate Murray, and members of the Hempstead Town
Board honored ten women who live or work in the Town of Hempstead for
their outstanding contributions to the community; and
WHEREAS, A Floral Park High School honor student, Natalie Thomas is
the captain of the track and field team, and leads in other various
organizations; and
WHEREAS, During the summer of 2012, Natalie Thomas, a resident of
Elmont, New York, went on a quest to Nicaragua with a mission to spread
her passion for knowledge to children in need; as a member of the local
"Build-On" chapter, she committed to help build a school for poverty-
stricken children in a small Nicaraguan village with no electricity or
running water; and
WHEREAS, To make her pilgrimage possible, Natalie Thomas applied for
grants, organized numerous fundraising events, and demonstrated true
strength, intelligence, and compassion; and
WHEREAS, In addition, despite fighting illness, fatigue, and difficult
living conditions, this exemplary young woman spent her summer break
digging foundations and mixing cement to build a center of learning for
the young children of Nicaragua; and
WHEREAS, Since returning home, Natalie Thomas continues her quest as a
leader to her fellow students in several clubs and programs; her role as
a student representative in the school's Shared Decision Making Commit-
tee with parents, administrators and faculty members, spearheads impor-
tant changes within the Floral Park High School community; and
WHEREAS, Natalie Thomas exemplifies the best potential which is inher-
ent in our most precious resource, our youth; she has brought enduring
honor to her family and her community through her many achievements;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Natalie Thomas upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of the 2013 Pathfinder Award by the Hempstead Town Board; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Natalie Thomas.