LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating this year's honorees upon the
occasion of their designation as recipients of the 2014 Dr. Martin Luth-
er King Award for Character, Leadership and Excellence

WHEREAS, It is the sense 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 individ-
uals 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 congratu-
late this year's honorees upon the occasion of their designation as
recipients of the 2014 Dr. Martin Luther King Award for Character, Lead-
ership and Excellence, to be celebrated on Thursday, January 16, 2014,
at Elmont Memorial High School; and
WHEREAS, The outstanding High School Honorees include: Aaron Buisser-
eth, Akeile Barrett, Amber-Rae Lawson, Andreas Pavlous, Bolewa Dawes,
Brittany Ingram, Courtney Ihaza, De'Ante Gonzalez, Elijah Smith, Gregory
Rhone, Isaiah Maharaj, Jake Mellen, Jaleesa Irving, James Bailey, Jared
Thompson, John P. lacona, Keith Tompkins, Kendall St. Louis, Marlena
Santos, Marvin Campbell, Matthew Brutus, Michael Bediako, Michael Grego-
ri, Mikhail Culpeper-Brown, Oluwabunmi Aruleba, Rasheed Adenlola, and
Tyler Fortune; and
WHEREAS, The month of February acknowledges the rich and diverse
heritage of our great State and Nation; Black History Month seeks to
emphasize that Black History is American History; and
WHEREAS, The 2014 honorees have distinguished themselves through
outstanding success in character, leadership, excellence and community
involvement; they are all true assets to society; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by individuals
for the benefit of others which these honorees have displayed throughout
their lives; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the life in their community and have shown a sustained commit-
ment to excellence certainly have earned the recognition and applause of
all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate this year's honorees upon the occasion of their designation
as recipients of the 2014 Dr. Martin Luther King Award; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the aforementioned honorees.