LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 2nd Annual Matthew Wallace
Scholarship 5K Walk on June 21, 2015

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 2nd Annual Matthew Wallace Scholarship 5K Walk, in remembrance
of Matthew Wallace, to be held on Sunday, June 21, 2015; and
WHEREAS, Matthew Wallace was a bright, athletic, caring young man who
tragically died in September of 2014, at the young age of 17; he will
always be remembered for his wonderful attitude, tremendous humility and
his lacrosse and football jersey number, 22; and
WHEREAS, The Matthew Wallace Foundation is a national, not-for-profit
organization founded in 2014, as a living memorial to perpetuate the
memory of Matthew Wallace through the advancement of private education
among students in need; and
WHEREAS, The goal of this vital foundation is to award 22 annual scho-
larships to students who are as dynamic as Matthew Wallace and who
exhibit the following traits that Matthew demonstrated: humility, cour-
age, camaraderie, community service and humanitarian interest; and
WHEREAS, Since Matthew Wallace believed that grades alone were not a
true barometer of one's potential, academic achievement will not weigh
in the grantees' selection process; and
WHEREAS, Born on August 6, 1996, Matthew Wallace was the loving broth-
er of his sister Hailey, and brother Mark; and
WHEREAS, As a child, Matthew Wallace exhibited nothing but happiness
and joy; as a teenager, his charm was contagious and he became known for
his quirky sense of humor, as well as his moral compass and religious
dedication; and
WHEREAS, Matthew Wallace attended St. Barnabas School from pre-Kinder-
garten to eighth grade; while a student, he was the recipient of numer-
ous academic awards, certificates and commendations; and
WHEREAS, At the young age of four, Matthew Wallace became a Cub Scout,
earning several badges and awards; prior to his ascension to the Boy
Scouts, he was awarded the highest Cub Scout honor, the Arrow of Light
Award; and
WHEREAS, As a Boy Scout, Matthew Wallace achieved and received one of
the most prestigious religious awards by the Boy Scouts of America, the
Ad Altare Dei, which was presented by Cardinal Timothy Dolan at St.
Patrick's Cathedral; and
WHEREAS, Matthew Wallace enjoyed playing sports; by the age of four,
he was a member of the All Yonkers Soccer League, the East Yonkers Base-
ball Team, and the Wood-lean Boys and Girls Club where he played basket-
ball and baseball; and
WHEREAS, Three years later, Matthew Wallace became an Eastchester Blue
Devil; participation on these sports teams helped him foster his sense
of identity as a dedicated and driven athlete; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, Matthew Wallace learned the importance of good
sportsmanship and would continue to display unprecedented loyalty and
dedication to his teammates for the rest of his athletic career; he was
also an Equestrian Champion and a junior golfer playing with the First
Tee; and

WHEREAS, At the age of 13, Matthew Wallace graduated from St. Barnabas
School and advanced to Mt. St. Michael Academy; he continued to excel in
both academics and athletics, striving to be an exceptional student, and
was named Captain of the Freshman football team; and
WHEREAS, Always seeking a challenge, Matthew Wallace became enamored
with lacrosse and proved to be a remarkable player; he also exhibited a
keen interest in politics and was able to offer informed, constructive
commentary on world events and history; and
WHEREAS, Before his untimely passing, Matthew Wallace looked forward
to his bright future, which included enlisting in the United States Air
Force, graduating from college, and entering a career in law enforce-
ment; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 2nd Annual Matthew Wallace Scholarship 5K Walk on June
21, 2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Matthew Wallace Foundation.