LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Calena Rodriguez upon the occasion of
her designation as recipient of the 2015 Youth of the Year Award at the
Regional Level by the Albany Boys & Girls Club

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those young people within the great Empire State who have
made strong contributions to their communities and who serve as role
models for their peers; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Calena Rodriguez upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the 2015 Youth of the Year Award at the Regional Level by the Albany
Boys & Girls Club to be celebrated on Tuesday, May 19, 2015; and
WHEREAS, The Boys & Girls Club's highest honor, the Youth of the Year
Award, recognizes a community member whose outstanding contributions to
their community, as well as their perseverance in overcoming personal
challenges and obstacles; these honorees are shining examples and living
proof that great futures start at Boys & Girls Clubs; and
WHEREAS, A member of the Boys & Girls Club of Albany for 10 years,
Calena Rodriguez has participated in the club's Power Hour which helps
her to succeed academically, and in the Rising Stars program where she
receives piano lessons from a college mentor; and
WHEREAS, Calena Rodriguez has been called upon to contribute her time
and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always
given of herself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed young woman has been highly involved in giving
back to her community; she has baked cookies to raise money to benefit
the local food pantry, and frequently participates in community service
projects as a member of the Torch Club; and
WHEREAS, An excellent role model for her two younger sisters, Calena
Rodriguez was on the Honor Roll throughout middle school, and in high
school, she made the Principal's List; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Calena Rodriguez maintains a healthy lifestyle,
and has participated in athletics since the age of five; she has been a
member of her middle school's modified soccer team and lacrosse team;
currently, she enjoys playing lacrosse as a member of her high school's
Junior Varsity team; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Calena Rodriguez is a two-time winner of the
Sportsmanship Award for her outstanding service to the community by
participating in fundraisers to support a local food pantry; and
WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose, this
Boys & Girls Club member now stands honorably, with just pride in her
accomplishments and in eager anticipation of future challenges, under-
standing and appreciating the caring counsel and support provided by her
teachers, coaches and loved ones; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor the youth
of today, and leaders of tomorrow, whose character and achievements best
exemplify the ideals and values cherished by this great State and
Nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Calena Rodriguez upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the 2015 Youth of the Year Award at the Regional Level by the Albany
Boys & Girls Club; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Calena Rodriguez.