Senate Resolution No. 310

BY: Senator GOUNARDES

COMMENDING the O'Malley Dance Academy upon the
occasion of celebrating its 25th Anniversary on
February 2, 2019

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those individuals and organizations whose commitment and
creative talents contribute to the cultural enrichment and entertainment
of their community and the entire 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
commend the O'Malley Dance Academy upon the occasion of celebrating its
25th Anniversary at an event on Saturday, February 2, 2019, at the Dyker
Beach Golf Course in Brooklyn, New York; and

WHEREAS, For 25 years, the O'Malley Dance Academy has proudly
promoted Irish culture and fostered a sense of pride in its dancers; and

WHEREAS, Founded by former champion dancer Maureen O'Malley, the
O'Malley Dance Academy currently instructs over 150 children and adults
across three locations in Brooklyn and Queens; and

WHEREAS, Maureen O'Malley and her staff have trained dancers for
numerous local, regional, national and world competitions with great
success; her students can be found at over 60 events during the year,
volunteering their time and talent to many worthwhile causes; and

WHEREAS, The students have performed all over the country, on
television, at Ellis Island, City Hall, and for New York sports teams
including the Mets, Nets, Liberty and Brooklyn Cyclones; the dancers
also perform in countless schools, nursing homes, children's hospitals,
convents, centers for children with special needs and military bases
during the year; and

WHEREAS, In addition, the students have entertained thousands by
showcasing their incredible talents in the Rockaway, Bay Ridge, and Park
Slope St. Patrick's Day Parades; and

WHEREAS, The O'Malley Dance Academy also takes part in many
charitable fundraisers such as Making Strides, and sponsors various
sports programs for the parishes of Good Shepherd, St. Francis de Sales,
and Blessed Trinity; and

WHEREAS, The O'Malley Dance Academy seeks to help its own dancers by
defraying the cost of the children's costumes to the parents, and
providing two full year Irish Dance Scholarships and college
scholarships to their graduating seniors; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body recognizes the importance of the
performing arts, which act to inspire, enlighten, and unify people from
all cultural backgrounds through the transcendent power of human
expression; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the O'Malley Dance Academy upon the occasion of celebrating its
25th Anniversary on February 2, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Maureen O'Malley, Director, O'Malley Dance Academy.