LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Norberto "Junito" Allende upon the occa-
sion of his designation as recipient of the New York Association for
Continuing/Community Education 2015 Student of the Year Award

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to take note of those
individuals who have distinguished themselves through their exemplary
pursuit of education as adults; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Norberto "Junito" Allende upon the occasion of his designation as recip-
ient of the New York Association for Continuing/Community Education 2015
Student of the Year Award; and
WHEREAS, New York Association for Continuing/Community Education
(NYACCE) represents adult education professionals with its primary
missions of maintaining and expanding education and training opportu-
nities for undereducated adults throughout New York State; and
WHEREAS, NYACCE strives to ensure that the opportunities afforded to
these students continue to be available, and that additional adults in
need of these services continue to be served without barriers; it is
well understood individuals who continue their education have a greater
chance of improving their employment and quality of life; and
WHEREAS, Norberto Allende understands the value of education and the
challenges and hardships that can be faced while trying to obtain that
education; and
WHEREAS, At the young age of five, Norberto Allende and his family
re-located from Puerto Rico to New York City; growing up in Sunset Park,
Brooklyn, he found himself surrounded by drugs, alcohol, and violence;
he was often bullied because of his accent and for not having the right
clothes; and
WHEREAS, In 2007, after overcoming much adversity, 21-year-old Norber-
to Allende found Turning Point; staff could clearly see his sense of
responsibility, and his motivation to pass the GED and start a career;
and
WHEREAS, As the sole provider for his household, he was responsible
for caring for his younger sisters; he had to balance work schedules and
school, as well as the turbulent personal growth inherent in all young
people his age; and
WHEREAS, In 2013, Norberto Allende returned to Turning Point to finish
his GED; through his avid intellectual curiosity, he recommitted himself
to attending classes and tutoring other students; in December of that
year, he earned his certificate; and
WHEREAS, In the Spring of 2014, Norberto Allende proudly gave the
commencement address at his graduation ceremony; his main focus in his
speech was "My struggles aren't just my struggles, they're my communi-
ty's struggles; I'm up here for all of us"; and
WHEREAS, Norberto Allende started his first semester at City Universi-
ty of New York at Kingsborough Community College in the Fall of 2014;
today, he is successfully putting all of the hard earned lessons to good
use in his studies; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to commend indi-
viduals of outstanding character, who have shown initiative and commit-
ment toward constantly pursuing higher goals for themselves, and acting
as role models of leadership to be emulated by their peers; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulkate Noberto "Junito" Allende upon his designation as recipient

of the New York Association for Continuing/Community Education 2015
Student of the Year Award; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Norberto "Junito" Allende.