LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Maria Isabela do Couto upon the occa-
sion of being named a New York Academic Scholar by USA Today and Phi
Theta Kappa on March 8, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend and pay
tribute to those young people who, by achieving outstanding success in
educational competition, have inspired and brought pride to our majestic
Empire State; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Maria Isabe-
la do Couto upon the occasion of being named a New York Academic Scholar
by USA Today and Phi Theta Kappa; the New York Community College Associ-
ation of Presidents (NYCCAP) will honor her at a luncheon on Tuesday,
March 8, 2016, at the New York State Museum, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Phi Theta Kappa is a fraternal organization with a mission to
recognize and encourage scholarship among two-year college students; and
WHEREAS, This vital organization works diligently to provide opportu-
nities for the development of leadership and service, to create an
intellectual climate for exchange of ideas, to encourage fellowship for
scholars, and to stimulate interest in continuing academic excellence;
and
WHEREAS, Maria Isabela do Couto, a student at Westchester Community
College, is being honored for her outstanding academic performance and
service to her college and community; and
WHEREAS, Currently, Maria Isabela do Couto holds the position of Vice
President of Honors In Action of Phi Theta Kappa and is an officer of
the Alpha Beta Gamma Business Honor Society; in addition, she has
participated in Commit to Change, a leadership and social change
program; and
WHEREAS, Outside of school, Maria Isabela do Couto is an active volun-
teer at Hospice in Norwalk, Connecticut, and at Our Lady of Victory
Church, where she helps organize festivals and fundraisers; and
WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose, this
scholar now stands honorably, with just pride in her accomplishments and
in eager anticipation of future challenges, understanding and appreciat-
ing the caring counsel and support provided by her teachers, coaches and
parents; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend individ-
uals such as Maria Isabela do Couto who have shown initiative and
commitment toward constantly pursuing higher goals for themselves, and
acting as role models of leadership to be emulated by their peers; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Maria Isabela do Couto upon the occasion of being named a New
York Academic Scholar by USA Today and Phi Theta Kappa on March 8, 2016;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Maria Isabela do Couto.