Senate Resolution No. 455

BY: Senator PARKER

HONORING Angelique Agudo upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the PASEsetter Award by
the Partnership for After School Education on
February 28, 2023

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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
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 honor
Angelique Agudo upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
PASEsetter Award by the Partnership for After School Education at its
30th Anniversary PASEsetter Awards Benefit on Tuesday, February 28,
2023, at Cipriani, New York, New York; and

WHEREAS, Angelique Agudo is receiving this prestigious award for her
role as an afterschool educator whose commitment, energy and creativity
has had an indelible impact on the children and youth of New York City;
and

WHEREAS, PASE is a child-focused organization that promotes and
supports quality afterschool programs, particularly those serving young
people from underserved communities; Angelique Agudo truly exemplifies
this vital organization's mission of delivering consistent, high-quality
programming to youth and increases their capacity to meet the needs of
their communities; and

WHEREAS, At the young age of eight, Angelique Agudo started taking
tap classes with Marguerite D'Aloia at Groove With Me, and thus began a
lifelong love of dance, and a lifelong connection to the organization;
and

WHEREAS, After graduating from high school, Angelique Agudo earned
her Bachelor of Arts degree in both Sociology and Anthropology from
Saint Michael's College in Vermont; she became an academic counselor at
Upward Bound and then returned to her alma mater to serve as a
residential director; after this position, she worked as a residential
manager at Boys Hope Girls Hope; and

WHEREAS, In 2018, Angelique Agudo returned to her roots and began
her career with Groove With Me as the program director; throughout her
tenure, she has served as an enthusiastic and kind leader who
steadfastly supports her students, alumni, staff, and coworkers; and

WHEREAS, Remembering her days as a young student at Groove With Me,
Angelique Agudo understands and empathizes with her students' hopes,
wishes and concerns and truly endeavors to make the dance studio a home
for all; and

WHEREAS, Angelique Agudo has tirelessly worked to expand Groove With
Me's programming and partnerships, and has encouraged increased staff
diversity, and realizes the importance of an on-site mental health
counselor; and

WHEREAS, Last year, Angelique Agudo engaged DanceWave to design and
facilitate teacher trainings for the staff, and spearheaded Groove With
Me's first summer day camp and expanded the camp to include not just
dance classes, but also engagement with a variety of arts
extracurriculars; and

WHEREAS, During the COVID-19 pandemic, Angelique Agudo diligently
strived to support and stay in contact with her students and their
families, continuing to connect them with jobs and internships, and
helping them with the college application process; and

WHEREAS, Angelique Agudo's steadfast and unremitting commitment and
guidance has been a driving force in the lives of so many young women
and their families; currently, she is working towards a master's degree
in clinical psychology in order to further expand her abilities to mold
and shape the youth of her community; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Angelique Agudo upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the PASEsetter Award by the Partnership for After School Education;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Angelique Agudo.