Senate Resolution No. 117

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Ishmael Morton upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Dedication to Youth
Award by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany on
November 17, 2016

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Ishmael
Morton upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
Dedication to Youth Award by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany to be
celebrated at its 9th Annual Red, White and Chocolate Event on Thursday,
November 17, 2016, at the Renaissance Hotel, Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany builds hope for many
vulnerable children in the most impoverished neighborhoods; by providing
a safe haven for children every day after school, this vital
organization hopes to develop character-minded individuals who graduate
from high school and go on to become productive residents of their
communities; and

WHEREAS, Ishmael Morton is being recognized for his outstanding
devotion, enthusiasm and productivity as Program Director for the Boys &
Girls Clubs of Albany at Delaware Avenue, which has been instrumental in
the success of important institutional changes and improvements; and

WHEREAS, Born in Brooklyn, New York, Ishmael Morton quickly learned
to adapt to new environments as his family moved around several times
throughout his childhood, eventually settling in Pasadena, California;
and

WHEREAS, Overcoming much adversity, Ishmael Morton received his
first job in youth development as a Youth Recreation Leader for the San
Gabriel Department of Parks and Recreation; it was during this time he
discovered his true passion for working with children; and

WHEREAS, Ishmael Morton then began working with Project Learns, an
academic program within the Pasadena Unified School District, where he
completed several training courses to develop himself professionally;
and

WHEREAS, In February of 2006, in hopes of completely removing
himself from the adversity of his past, Ishmael Morton moved to Harlem,
New York, where he began working with Oasis Children's Services and was
provided with the professional development necessary to reach his goals;
and


WHEREAS, Today, a resident of Albany, New York, Ishmael Morton
serves as the Program Director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany at
Delaware Avenue; in this capacity he truly makes a difference in the
lives of local children and the community at-large; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Ishmael Morton has displayed
throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, 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 Ishmael Morton upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the Dedication to Youth Award by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany on
November 17, 2016, and to wish him continued success in all of his
future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Ishmael Morton.