LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Brandon Lyles of the Boys and Girls Club
of the Northtowns, upon the occasion of his designation as the recipient
of the Boys and Girls Club of Northtowns' Youth of the Year Award

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to act in accord with
its long-standing traditions by honoring the youth of today, and leaders
of tomorrow, whose character and achievements best exemplify the ideals
and values cherished by this great State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Brandon Lyles of the Boys and Girls Club of the Northtowns, upon the
occasion of his designation as the recipient of the Boys and Girls Club
of Northtowns' Youth of the Year Award; and
WHEREAS, The Boys and Girls Club of the Northtowns is a youth develop-
ment agency whose goal is to inspire and enable all young people, espe-
cially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full
potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens; and
WHEREAS, The Youth of the Year title is the highest award given to any
Club member; in order to be chosen, a candidate must be nominated by a
staff member or a member from the community, wherein each member must
compile an impressive application packet that includes school grades,
letters of recommendation from teachers and community members, two
completed essays about what the Club means to them, and demonstrate
prior service to both the Club and the community; and
WHEREAS, In accordance with the qualifications needed, Brandon Lyles
has eminently distinguished himself as a young man of superlative abili-
ty, talent and maturity, establishing standards of excellence and
achievement rarely attained in youthful years; and
WHEREAS, Brandon Lyles is a 16-year-old junior at Cardinal O'Hara High
School in the Town of Tonawanda; he comes from a background that few
will ever experience; and
WHEREAS, Losing his mother at a young age, Brandon Lyles was raised by
his aunt and uncle, graduated from the Buffalo Magnet School at the
Buffalo Zoo, and decided to attend Cardinal O'Hara High School; and
WHEREAS, As a freshman, Brandon Lyles applied for and was awarded a
full scholarship to O'Hara through the Oishei Foundation Scholar
program; he was elected president of his freshman class, a position he
has held each year; and
WHEREAS, As a sophomore, Brandon Lyles was selected by the Kiwanis
Club of the Tonawandas as a recipient of the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leader-
ship (HOBY) award; HOBY's mission is to inspire and develop youth and
volunteers to live a life dedicated to leadership, service and inno-
vation; and
WHEREAS, The HOBY recipients have the opportunity to work at the Boys
and Girls Club Camp Spirit and Brandon Lyles has worked out so well that
he was offered a job at the Franklin Boys and Girls Club in Tonawanda;
because he has made such a positive impact not only on the members at
the club, but also of his peers and co-workers, he was chosen as a
candidate for the Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Brandon Lyles is not just about
himself, but is more about helping other kids; he is someone who
inspires everyone; and
WHEREAS, Reliable and dedicated, Brandon Lyles works at the Boys and
Girls Club three days a week and also helped with the basketball clinic
that ran on Saturdays; he also received training in order to assist with
the Youth Power program, which teaches kids about abstaining from alco-
hol and drugs; and

WHEREAS, A varsity football player, Brandon Lyles carries a 98 aver-
age, is in the National Honor Society, Model U.N. and sings in the Song
Corps; he also has had the lead in the school's musicals and has been
encouraged by his English teacher to apply and become a student ambassa-
dor for Make-a-Wish Foundation; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor Brandon Lyles, an
able scholar and loyal servant to his community, recognizing the value
of his labors and the promise of his future; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Brandon Lyles of the Boys and Girls Club of the Northtowns, upon
the occasion of his designation as the recipient of the Boys and Girls
Club of Northtowns' Youth of the Year Award; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Brandon Lyles.