LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Clara Birch upon the occasion of
her designation as recipient of the New York Association for
Continuing/Community Education 2015 Student of the Year Award

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to take note of those
individuals who have distinguished themselves through their exemplary
pursuit of education as adults; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Clara Birch upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the New York Association for Continuing/Community Education 2015 Student
of the Year Award at its 32nd Annual Student Awards and Legislative
Event on March 11, 2015, in Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, New York Association for Continuing/Community Education
(NYACCE) represents adult education professionals with its primary
missions of maintaining and expanding education and training opportu-
nities for undereducated adults throughout New York State; and
WHEREAS, NYACCE strives to ensure that the opportunities afforded to
these students continue to be available, and that additional adults in
need of these services continue to be served without barriers; it is
well understood individuals who continue their education have a greater
chance of improving their employment and quality of life; and
WHEREAS, Clara Birch understands the value of education and the chal-
lenges and hardships that are sometimes faced when trying to obtain that
education; and
WHEREAS, Clara Birch dropped out of high school in ninth grade and
worked part-time to support her two children; and
WHEREAS, In 2010, Clara Birch realized she needed to continue her
education, so she enrolled in the Hamilton Fulton Montgomery (HFM) BOCES
and participated in the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) class
in order to earn a New York State High School Equivalency Diploma; and
WHEREAS, Clara Birch won a Scholarship to attend the WE LEARN (Women
Expanding: Literacy Education Action Resource Network) Conference in
Providence, Rhode Island; she found the experience to be empowering as a
learner and a woman; and
WHEREAS, Throughout her time at HFM BOCES, Clara Birch attended class
regularly and fully participated in the learning process; while earning
her education, she worked for numerous years at Price Chopper, and as a
Home Health Aide; and
WHEREAS, Clara Birch was a model student who eagerly learned, and
helped other students; in 2014, she proudly merited her diploma and
plans on furthering her education in the health field; and
WHEREAS, Clara Birch is an active volunteer for the Ladies Auxiliary
for fire departments within her community, supporting firemen and
crocheting blankets as well as fundraising for worthy causes, and bring-
ing holiday cheer to residents of local nursing homes; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to commend indi-
viduals of outstanding character, who have shown initiative and commit-
ment toward constantly pursuing higher goals for themselves, and acting
as role models of leadership to be emulated by their peers; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Clara Birch upon her designation as recipient of the New
York Association for Continuing/Community Education 2015 Student of the
Year Award; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Clara Birch.