LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to Alyssa Rodemeyer upon the occa-
sion of her designation for special recognition for speaking out against
bullying

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose lives serve as an inspiration to their
family and friends, and to the community as a whole; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to pay trib-
ute to Alyssa Rodemeyer upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition for speaking out against bullying; and
WHEREAS, A senior at Williamsville North High School, Alyssa Rodemey-
er, age 17, is a young social activist who speaks out against all types
of bullying in schools across the country; and
WHEREAS, In September 2001, Alyssa Rodemeyer lost her younger brother,
Jamey, at age 14, due to a bullying problem; and
WHEREAS, In late 2001, Alyssa Rodemeyer and her mother presented an
award to Lady Gaga, the famous pop singer and Jamey's favorite music
artist, for the Born This Way Foundation (BTWF); Lady Gaga convinced
Alyssa to speak out on behalf of her anti-bullying campaign associated
with BTWF; and
WHEREAS, Overcoming her fear of public speaking, Alyssa Rodemeyer
began making presentations against bullying using Jamey's story as a
powerful example; she stressed the importance of getting involved within
the school community as well as the importance of human relationships;
and
WHEREAS, In May 2012, Alyssa Rodemeyer was a judge to choose the nomi-
nees and final eight winners for the Great American No Bull Challenge, a
youth-led campaign and video contest throughout America that focuses on
cyber bullying; and
WHEREAS, On May 8, 2013, Alyssa Rodemeyer spoke out against bullying
at St. Joe's Collegiate Institute in honor of the Eric S. Pitman Ripples
of Hope Lecture series; and
WHEREAS, Planning to study psychology at the University of Buffalo in
the fall of 2013, Alyssa Rodemeyer's faith in humanity has increased as
she finds more and more support against teen-level bullying and bullying
in general; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her outstanding community
service, a period of constructive involvement, Alyssa Rodemeyer has
stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned the
respect and admiration of her colleagues, family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Alyssa Rodemeyer has displayed
throughout her life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to Alyssa Rodemeyer upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition for speaking out against bullying; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Alyssa Rodemeyer.