Senate Resolution No. 687

BY: Senator O'MARA

COMMENDING Sophie Kartzman upon the occasion of
her designation as a Distinguished Finalist in the
22nd Annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
program

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 exemplify the
ideals and values cherished by this great State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Sophie Kartzman has distinguished herself as a young woman
of superlative ability, establishing a high standard of community
service, purposefulness of life, and sense of responsibility rarely
achieved in youthful years; and

WHEREAS, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, created in 1995
by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of
Secondary School Principals (NASSP), are designed to emphasize the
importance our Nation places on service to others, and to encourage all
young Americans to contribute to their communities; and

WHEREAS, Sophie Kartzman, an esteemed resident of Big Flats, New
York, and an eighth-grader at Horseheads Middle School, has achieved
national recognition for exemplary volunteer service by receiving a 2017
Prudential Spirit of Community Award; and

WHEREAS, This prestigious award honors young volunteers across
America who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to their
communities; this year, more than 31,000 young people across the country
participated in the program; and

WHEREAS, Sophie Kartzman earned this award by first collecting, and
then delivering tens of thousands of cards for military members and
veterans through the Red Cross Holiday for Heroes Program; she then
joined forces with local schools, businesses and other organizations,
and subsequently, has surpassed her card collection goal every year; in
addition, she started a website to encourage other children to
volunteer; and

WHEREAS, The success of the State of New York, the strength of our
communities, and the vitality of American society depend, in great
measure, upon the dedication of young people like Sophie Kartzman, who
use their considerable talents and resources to serve others; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor Sophie Kartzman,
commending her for her outstanding record of volunteer service, peer
leadership, and community service, recognizing the value of her labors
and the promise of her future; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations,
with praise and pride, to commend Sophie Kartzman for her achievements
and to extend to her the best wishes of this Legislative Body for a
future of purposeful success and well-being; and be it further


RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Sophie Kartzman.