LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Kate Bender upon the occasion of
being crowned Albany's 2013 Tulip Queen

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to act, in accord with
its long-standing traditions, honoring the youth of today, and leaders
of tomorrow, whose character and achievements exemplify the ideals and
values cherished by this great State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Kate
Bender upon the occasion of her coronation as the 2013 Tulip Queen at
the 65th Annual Albany Tulip Festival held on May 10-12, 2013, in
Albany's historic Washington Park; and
WHEREAS, The Tulip Queen serves as Albany's Ambassador for one full
year of reign; she and her court will spend that year involved in volun-
teer projects, including the Mayor Jerry Jennings' Literacy Campaign,
which strives to promote the value of reading to children; and
WHEREAS, The Tulip Queen and Court have teamed up with the Community
Foundation for the Greater Capital Region to create a trust fund for
future Tulip Queens and Courts to award grants to local literacy organ-
izations; each Queen and Court develops initiatives to further their
goals and attends numerous events throughout the year focusing on educa-
tion and community awareness; and
WHEREAS, Kate Bender, an 18 year-old from Slingerlands, New York, is a
freshman business major at Siena College; through the Siena Bonner
Service Leaders Program, she works as a recruitment and outreach intern
for the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York; and
WHEREAS, Kate Bender helps teach English to local refugee students and
volunteers as a Girl Scout leader; she is a co-host of WVCR's Change
Makers radio program and is an active volunteer with the American Cancer
Association, the Teresian House and Refugees & Immigrant Support
Services of Emmaus; and
WHEREAS, Kate Bender is a part of the Siena College dance team and
loves to spend time with her friends and family; as a 2013 Tulip Court
member, she hopes to establish sustainable programs for the Mayor
Jennings Literacy Campaign in order to empower local youth and help to
create a close-knit community; and
WHEREAS, Through her active involvement in the community and her
sincere dedication to her generation, Kate Bender is an outstanding role
model for her peers; and
WHEREAS, Kate Bender represents the potential which is inherent in our
most precious resource, our youth; she has brought enduring honor to her
family and her community through her many achievements; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Kate Bender upon the occasion of her coronation as the 2013
Tulip Queen, and to wish her success in all of her future endeavors; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Kate Bender.