LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Nicholas Courtney, of Williamsville,
New York, upon the occasion of his designation as a Distinguished Final-
ist in the 19th Annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program

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, Nicholas Courtney has distinguished himself as a young man of
superlative ability, establishing a high standard of community service,
purposefulness of life, and sense of responsibility rarely achieved in
youthful years; and
WHEREAS, Nicholas Courtney, 17, of Williamsville, New York, and a
senior at St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute, has achieved national
recognition for exemplary volunteer service by being named a 2014
Prudential Spirit of Community Distinguished Finalist; and
WHEREAS, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, created in 1995 by
Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of
Secondary School Principals (NASSP), are designed to emphasize the
importance our nation places on service to others, and to encourage all
young Americans to contribute to their communities; and
WHEREAS, As a Distinguished Finalist, Nicholas Courtney will receive
an engraved bronze medallion; and
WHEREAS, Nicholas Courtney co-founded "International Micro-loans of
Buffalo" in August of 2012, and has since raised more than $16,000 and
distributed more than 61 micro-loans to small businesses throughout the
world; Nicholas, who works with the international charity Kiva to
distribute the loans, is responsible for preparing and distributing
newsletters to donors, updating the website, and creating fundraising
and advertising campaigns for the organization; and
WHEREAS, The success of the State of New York, the strength of our
communities, and the vitality of American society depend, in great meas-
ure, upon the dedication of young people like Nicholas Courtney, who use
their considerable talents and resources to serve others; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor Nicholas Courtney,
commending him for his outstanding record of volunteer service, peer
leadership, and community service and 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, with
praise and pride, to commend Nicholas Courtney for his achievements and
to extend to him the best wishes of this Legislative Body for a future
of purposeful success and well-being, fully confident of his response to
the challenges of a promising future and appreciative of the model he
represents for all young people of the Empire State; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Nicholas Courtney.