LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim February 20-27, 2016, as FFA Week in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to support and promote
the historic and significant observance of FFA Week in the State of New
York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 20-27, 2016, as FFA
Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of
National FFA Week; and
WHEREAS, More than half a million members across the nation will
participate in National FFA Week activities at both the local and state
levels; and
WHEREAS, The National FFA organization is dedicated to making a posi-
tive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential
for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agri-
cultural education; and
WHEREAS, The FFA motto: Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to
Live, Living to Serve, gives its members words to live by; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1928, as the Future Farmers of America, FFA
brought together students, teachers and agri-businesses to solidify
support for agricultural education, and in Kansas City's Baltimore Hotel
33 young farm boys charted a course for the future; and
WHEREAS, The National FFA organization operates under a Federal Char-
ter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an inte-
gral part of public instruction in agriculture; the U.S. Department of
Education provides leadership and helps set direction for the FFA as a
service to state and local agricultural education programs; and
WHEREAS, In accomplishing its mission, FFA develops competent and
assertive agricultural leadership; increases awareness of the global and
technological importance of agriculture and its contribution to our
well-being; strengthens the confidence of agriculture students in them-
selves and their work; promotes the intelligent choice and establishment
of an agricultural career; encourages achievement in supervised agricul-
tural experience programs; encourages wise management of economic, envi-
ronmental and human resources of the community; develops interpersonal
skills in teamwork, communications, human relations and social inter-
action; builds character and promotes citizenship, volunteerism and
patriotism; promotes cooperation and cooperative attitudes among all
people; promotes healthy lifestyles; and encourages excellence in schol-
arship; and
WHEREAS, Agricultural education in New York affects and instructs
students in all parts of the State, and through their efforts, the offi-
cers and members of New York FFA are achieving increased levels of
national recognition for themselves, their schools and communities, as
well as New York agriculture; and
WHEREAS, FFA members are also working to ensure a bright economic
future for the agriculture industry in New York State which contributes
nearly $5 billion to our State's economy and is a major engine for job
creation; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
applaud the leaders of commerce and industry whose accomplishments
contribute to the economic health and prosperity of the communities of
the State of New York and to the quality of life of its people; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 20-27, 2016,
as FFA Week in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.