LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Jessica Burgos-Diaz upon the occa-
sion of her designation as recipient of a NYACCE 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 Jessica Burgos-Diaz upon the occasion of her designation as recipi-
ent of a New York Association for Continuing/Community Education
(NYACCE) Student of the Year Award; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion was celebrated at NYACCE's 30th
Annual Student of the Year Awards and Legislative Event, held in Albany,
New York on Wednesday, March 6, 2013; 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, Jessica Burgos-Diaz was nominated for a Student of the Year
Award by Liliana Zuluaga and Gretchen Varney from Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cat-
taraugus BOCES; and
WHEREAS, Jessica Burgos-Diaz completed some high school in Puerto
Rico, but was unable to find a job to support her three children due to
difficult economic circumstances; and
WHEREAS, To create a better life for her family, she moved to James-
town, New York, and enrolled in English as a Second Language and Work
Experience with Spanish Support Programs at the Gateway Center; and
WHEREAS, With the goal of improving her English skills and a desire to
attend Community College, Jessica Burgos-Diaz worked with determination,
even when faced with transportation challenges and issues with child-
care; she has tested out of BEST Plus and moved up to an Advanced Basic
Education Program, with the goal of earning her GED; and
WHEREAS, Jessica Burgos-Diaz is enrolled in the Basic Office Medical
Procedures Program and has been accepted for a Medical Technology
Program at Jamestown Community College; she works doubly hard to trans-
late medical terms from English to Spanish and back again during her
coursework; and
WHEREAS, With a focus on her future, Jessica Burgos-Diaz plans to
volunteer at WCA Hospital until she finishes her schooling; and
WHEREAS, There are many remarkable stories in the world of adult
education, but few are as impressive as that of Jessica Burgos-Diaz, who
serves as an inspiration to us all; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Jessica Burgos-Diaz upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of a NYACCE Student of the Year Award; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Jessica Burgos-Diaz.