Senate Resolution No. 468

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING Shirell Gamble upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the New York Association
for Continuing/Community Education 2016 Student of
the Year Award

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to take note of
those individuals who have distinguished themselves through their
exemplary pursuit of education as adults; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Shirell Gamble upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
New York Association for Continuing/Community Education 2016 Student of
the Year Award; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion was celebrated at its 33rd Annual
Student Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, October 25, 2016, at the Clarion
Century House, Latham, New York; in addition, honored students will be
recognized by their local legislators on Wednesday, October 26, 2016, at
the New York State Assembly Chamber in Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, New York Association for Continuing/Community Education
(NYACCE) represents adult education professionals with its primary
mission in maintaining and expanding education and training
opportunities for undereducated adults throughout New York State; and

WHEREAS, NYACCE strives to ensure that the opportunities afforded to
these students continue to be available, and that additional adults in
need of these services continue to be served without barriers; it is
well understood individuals who continue their education have a greater
chance of improving their employment and quality of life; and

WHEREAS, Shirell Gamble understands the value of education and the
challenges and hardships that are sometimes faced when trying to obtain
that education; and

WHEREAS, After dropping out of high school following eleventh grade
due to the death of her aunt in 2000, Shirell Gamble faced many personal
setbacks, including the death of her mother three years later, and
living in a shelter for extended periods of time; and

WHEREAS, In December of 2006, Shirell Gamble became the proud mother
to a beautiful baby boy, Maurice; and

WHEREAS, Determined to create a life of happiness, Shirell Gamble
and her son moved from Brooklyn to Utica, New York, where she enrolled
in the General Educational Development (GED) program in March of 2012;
and

WHEREAS, Shirell Gamble passed the GED exam on May 19, 2016, and has
enrolled at Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica where she is
planning on beginning the Human Services program; her goal is to
continue her studies to become a Social Worker; and


WHEREAS, Active in her community, Shirell Gamble is a volunteer
worker at the Oneida County Board of Elections as well as serving as a
member of the Parent Teacher Organization at General Herkimer Elementary
School; and

WHEREAS, Through her life experiences, Shirell Gamble has become a
resourceful problem solver, hard worker, and a steadfast advocate for
others; her work ethic, dedication and drive will ensure her continued
success in all of her future endeavors; and

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to commend
individuals of outstanding character, 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
honor Shirell Gamble upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the New York Association for Continuing/Community Education 2016
Student of the Year Award; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Shirell Gamble.