Senate Resolution No. 4254

BY: Senator GALLIVAN

CONGRATULATING Pioneer FFA upon the occasion of
its designation as the 2017 Chapter of the Year by
the New York State Agricultural Society

WHEREAS, The agricultural industry is part of the foundation upon
which our distinct American heritage is built; New York State and the
entire United States are dependent on our agricultural industry for a
variety of food products; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to act, in accord
with its long-standing traditions, honoring the youth of today, and
leaders of tomorrow, whose character and achievements best exemplify the
ideals and values cherished by this great State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate
Pioneer FFA upon the occasion of its designation as the 2017 Chapter of
the Year by the New York State Agricultural Society; this momentous
occasion was celebrated at its 186th Annual Meeting on Thursday, January
4, 2018, in Syracuse, New York; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Agricultural Society was organized in
1832 to foster, promote and improve New York State's food and
agriculture industry; the Society's mission is to improve the condition
of agriculture through education, leadership development and recognition
programs, such as the Chapter of the Year Award; and

WHEREAS, Led by its extraordinary Advisors, Mary-Lou Genaway and Jon
Clayson, Pioneer FFA was also honored with the National Superior Chapter
Award at the 90th Annual National FFA Convention in Indianapolis,
Indiana; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of President Katie O'Hare and
Vice President Katharina Heitzman, Pioneer FFA members completed several
local, state, and national activities in the areas of Growing Leaders,
Building Communities, and Strengthening Agriculture; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, representing New York, the chapter also took
part in five career development events, including Extemporaneous
Speaking, Parliamentary Procedure, Chapter Meeting, Agricultural Sales,
and Meats Evaluation; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to its
community, Pioneer FFA sponsors a weekly farmers' market in the fall and
hosts a Farmer for a Day program for elementary school students; the
club also provides Thanksgiving dinners for local families and fills 50
Christmas boxes with gifts for children around the world as part of
Operation Christmas Child; and

WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose,
these young men and women now stand honorably, with just pride in their
accomplishments and in eager anticipation of future challenges,
understanding and appreciating the caring counsel and support provided
by their teachers, advisors and parents; and


WHEREAS, These exceptional young adults are a credit to their
families, their schools, their community, their State and their Nation,
and no doubt their future will be filled with accomplishments of equal
importance; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Pioneer FFA upon the occasion of its designation as the
2017 Chapter of the Year by the New York State Agricultural Society; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Pioneer FFA.