Senate Resolution No. 1476

BY: Senator TEDISCO

HONORING Riley Walz upon the occasion of winning
the Living the Example Video Contest by Mentor
Foundation USA

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those young people within the great Empire State who have
made strong contributions to their communities and who serve as role
models for their peers; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Riley Walz upon the occasion of winning the Living the Example Video
Contest by Mentor Foundation USA; and

WHEREAS, Living the Example was created by Mentor Foundation USA to
showcase this generation, pursuing their passions and achieving their
dreams, while staying drug-free, by example to their peers in their
community; and

WHEREAS, Mentor Foundation USA exists to prevent adolescent drug
abuse while helping them realize their potential and achieve their
dreams; they partner with the business community, government agencies,
schools and parents to create healthy and productive pathways for
students and inspire and motivate them to higher academic achievements
and empower them to make healthy drug-free decisions; and

WHEREAS, From a young age, Riley Walz has demonstrated an
understanding of kindness, goodwill and integrity; after he and his
family moved to Germany, he organized a bottle drive to raise funds for
the family of a classmate diagnosed with leukemia; and

WHEREAS, Upon coming back to the United States, Riley Walz started
producing a podcast on Random Facts to speak out about bullying; he
discovered a non-profit organization in Ireland devoted to eliminating
this issue and convinced them to be interviewed on one of his shows; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to helping others, Riley Walz has been working
with St. Baldrick's Foundation for research into a cure for childhood
cancer; every year, he helps the Foundation raise significant funds for
their worthy cause; and

WHEREAS, Currently a 9th grader at Ballston Spa High School in
Ballston Spa, New York, Riley Walz is a well-rounded student involved in
student government and is a member of the cross-country team; and

WHEREAS, Riley Walz may take just pride in the inspiration and
contribution to the spirit of excellence he brings to his family,
friends, community and school; and

WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose, this
scholar now stands honorably, with just pride in his accomplishments and
in eager anticipation of future challenges, understanding and

appreciating the caring counsel and support provided by his teachers,
coaches and parents; and

WHEREAS, With his sense of civic duty and his commitment to others,
Riley Walz represents the best development of the potential which is
inherent in our most precious resource, our youth; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Riley Walz upon the occasion of winning the Living the Example
Video Contest by Mentor Foundation USA; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Riley Walz.