LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Grace Mellen upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Robert F. Bensing Award by the Prison-
ers' Legal Services of New York

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, Grace Mellen has given not only of her time and energies but
also of her competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently has
been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Grace Mellen
upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Robert F. Bens-
ing Award by the Prisoners' Legal Services of New York; this momentous
occasion was celebrated at its 4th Annual Pro Bono Event on Wednesday,
October 22, 2014, at the Albany Barn, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Robert F. Bensing Award for Pro Bono Service by a Law
Student was established in honor of the late Robert F. Bensing, who
served as a Staff Attorney at Prisoners' Legal Services, to acknowledge
his passion for service and his support and dedication to the education
of students; and
WHEREAS, Volunteerism is an essential element of all societies; it
provides a way in which the human values of community, caring and serv-
ing can be sustained and strengthened; and
WHEREAS, Grace Mellen graduated from Albany Law School with Pro Bono
Honors; she has been a volunteer with Prisoners' Legal Services of New
York since the Fall of 2012, assisting with hearing transcripts and
reviewing article 78 petitions; and
WHEREAS, After dedicating 72 hours of Pro Bono Service to this vital
organization, Grace Mellen continues to expand her knowledge of prison-
ers' rights as a Law Graduate Intern with Prisoners' Legal Services of
New York; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Grace Mellen has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Grace Mellen has displayed through-
out her life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Grace Mellen upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the Robert F. Bensing Award by the Prisoners' Legal Services of New
York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Grace Mellen.