LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Maynard Bland upon the occasion of
being named Student of the Year by the New York Association for
Continuing/Community Education, Inc.

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to take notice of and
publicly acknowledge individuals who have distinguished themselves
through their exemplary pursuit of education as adults; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Maynard Bland upon the occasion of being named Student of the Year by
the New York Association for Continuing/Community Education, Inc., at
its 28th Annual Student Awards and Legislative Event on March 8-9, 2011,
in Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Maynard Bland has faced many obstacles and challenges in his
life that have hindered his pursuit of an education, including a home
life that exposed him to a world of alcoholism, abuse and poverty; and
WHEREAS, Growing up under very difficult circumstances in his youth,
ultimately led Maynard Bland to drop out of school in the 9th grade; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his early life, Maynard Bland had many struggles
which reaffirmed his belief that it was critical he obtained his GED;
and
WHEREAS, After paying his debt to society after problems with the law,
Maynard Bland committed himself to making life changes that would
provide him with the best possible opportunity to succeed; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his struggles and schooling, Maynard's wife,
Kristin's unconditional support, encouragement and desire to see him
succeed, has helped in keeping him on the right path; and
WHEREAS, In May of 2010 at the age of 40, Maynard Bland reached his
goal of passing his GED final exam; and
WHEREAS, Recently, Maynard Bland completed welding classes at the Lee
Peters Career Training Center; and
WHEREAS, Maynard Bland's enthusiasm and enjoyment of learning have
helped him reach his goals, and his positive attitude has helped others
stay focused on their learning; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his educational objectives, Maynard Bland is
committed to making a difference in the lives of others, and works to
help others sharing his life story with young people in the hope of
encouraging them not to follow along the same path that he did; and
WHEREAS, A talented and driven young man, Maynard Bland has demon-
strated integrity and honor while using Adult Education programming to
change the course of his entire future; and
WHEREAS, Maynard Bland may now stand with just pride in assessing his
achievements, experiencing the satisfaction of his labors and the joy of
his accomplishments, eager to face the challenge of new ventures; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Maynard Bland upon the occasion of being named Student of the
Year by the New York Association of Continuing/Community Education; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Maynard Bland.