LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Joshua VanDeMortel in recognition of
his heroic actions in saving the lives of two distressed boaters

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the concerned and heroic acts of those citizens within the great
Empire State who would voluntary take immediate and appropriate action
to protect the health and safety of others; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Joshua VanDeMortel in recognition of his heroic actions in saving the
lives of two distressed boaters on Friday, August 12, 2011, on Seneca
Lake, New York; and
WHEREAS, 14 year old Joshua VanDeMortel and his brother Matthew, sons
of Richard and Debra VanDeMortel, were out on a morning fishing excur-
sion on Seneca Lake with their father and sister when they came upon an
emergency situation; these two Boy Scouts instinctively put their Scout-
ing training into action; and
WHEREAS, The VanDeMortel family had been fishing near Belhurst Castle
in an 18-foot motorboat and were headed back to the Chamber of Commerce
launch when they spotted trouble; a canoe had overturned and two men
were in the water, both holding on to their capsized boat; and
WHEREAS, Joshua VanDeMortel and his brother immediately sprang into
action and successfully got the two men aboard their family's motorboat;
Joshua and Matthew turned the capsized boat right side up, emptied it of
water, tied it to their boat and towed it to shore; and
WHEREAS, In his spontaneous and heroic actions, Joshua VanDeMortel
demonstrated his character and compassion for the welfare of others,
exemplifying the best qualities inherent in our young people; and
WHEREAS, Geneva High School Freshman Joshua VanDeMortel maintains an
above 95 GPA and is consistently on the Principal's List; he takes
advanced coursework in English, Math, and Science, and studies Latin;
and
WHEREAS, The proud recipient of the 2011 Magna Cum Laude National
Latin Exam Award, as well as Scholastic Awards in English, Algebra,
Earth Science, Social Studies, Music, Latin, Art, and Technology, Joshua
VanDeMortel can boast perfect attendance throughout his middle school
career and plans to attend college to pursue a career in Technology; and
WHEREAS, A lover of technology and video games, Joshua VanDeMortel
also participates in Soccer, Swimming, Wrestling, and Track and Field;
furthermore, he greatly enjoys skiing at Bristol Mountain and water
skiing and fishing on Seneca Lake; and
WHEREAS, Always giving of his time and energies, Joshua VanDeMortel
volunteers for multiple causes including Glenora Wine Festival, Veterans
Field of Honor, Geneva Food Pantry Operation Merry Christmas, and is a
bell ringer for the Salvation Army; in addition, he often helps out his
neighbors with odd jobs and yard work; and
WHEREAS, As a member of Boy Scouts Troop 3, Joshua VanDeMortel holds
the Patrol Leader Rank of Life Scout and is currently preparing for his
Eagle Scout project; and
WHEREAS, With his sense of civic duty and his commitment to others,
Joshua VanDeMortel represents the best development of the potential
which is inherent in our most precious resource, our youth; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Joshua VanDeMortel in recognition of his heroic actions in
saving the lives of two distressed boaters; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Joshua VanDeMortel, 3098 Johnson Road, Geneva, New York.