Senate Resolution No. 5308

BY: Senator COMRIE

HONORING Oluwadamilola Gbemi upon the occasion of
her designation as recipient of the 2018 Youth of
the Year Award by the Boys & Girls Club of Metro
Queens

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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
Oluwadamilola Gbemi upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the 2018 Youth of the Year Award by the Boys & Girls Club of Metro
Queens; and

WHEREAS, The Boys & Girls Club's highest honor, the Youth of the
Year Award, recognizes outstanding contributions to a club member's
family, school, and overall community, as well as their perseverance in
overcoming personal challenges and obstacles; these honorees are shining
examples and living proof that great futures start at Boys & Girls
Clubs; and

WHEREAS, Born in Nigeria, West Africa, Oluwadamilola Gbemi has
struggled with her culture and identity; through the love and support
from the staff and fellow members of the Boys & Girls Club, she realized
that she was not only intelligent, beautiful and unique, but also a
leader; and

WHEREAS, In the past year, Oluwadamilola Gbemi has donated 120 hours
of her time and energy to community service; she has participated in
various projects and events such as the Breast Cancer Walk, AIDS Walk,
and the Day of Service; and

WHEREAS, Oluwadamilola Gbemi has also given numerous presentations
about the dangers of drug abuse and gang violence, and how to build
self-esteem to students from other after school programs; and

WHEREAS, Currently, Oluwadamilola Gbemi holds the title of President
of the Boys and Girls Club's Keystone Club, a teen group dedicated to
leadership planning community services, planning various events, and
raising funds for the Club; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Oluwadamilola Gbemi is a vital member of both
the volleyball and dance team, cosmetology, art and science class, and
both the college/career and Regents prep class; and

WHEREAS, An exceptional student, Oluwadamilola Gbemi maintains a
3.67 GPA and is on track for earning an Advanced Regents Diploma with
honors; she has received certificates for perfect attendance as well as
honor roll; in the fall of her junior year, she will be taking AP
classes and a college class at Queens College; and

WHEREAS, After graduating, Oluwadamilola Gbemi plans to study law,
hospitality management or human development at an Ivy League University,
preferably Harvard or Princeton; and

WHEREAS, Through her active involvement in the community and her
sincere dedication to others, Oluwadamilola Gbemi has become an
exceptional role model for others; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor 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; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Oluwadamilola Gbemi upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of the Youth of the Year Award by the Boys & Girls Club of
Metro Queens; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Oluwadamilola Gbemi.