Senate Resolution No. 94

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Elaine Houston upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition by Girls
Incorporated of the Greater Capital Region on
September 29, 2016

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Elaine
Houston upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by
Girls Incorporated of the Greater Capital Region, to be celebrated at
its FUEL HER FIRE event on Thursday, September 29, 2016, at 90 State
Events, Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Elaine Houston earned a
Master's degree in International Women's Studies from the State
University of New York's Empire State College in 2009; she also holds a
Bachelor's degree in Journalism from Southern Illinois
University-Carbondale; and

WHEREAS, Elaine Houston began her illustrious career with WNYT in
January of 1990, where today, she is the anchor of News Channel 13 Live
at 5:30 and serves as a reporter; and

WHEREAS, Her stories have taken her to such places as the White
House in 2015 where President Barack Obama posthumously presented World
War I soldier Sergeant Henry Johnson with the Medal of Honor, to
Oklahoma to cover tornado damage, and to Cuba to cover the infamous
custody battle of Elian Gonzalez; and

WHEREAS, In 2016, Elaine Houston was presented with the YOU GO GIRL
Award from HERLIFE Magazine and the MOM Prom Award from the Zonta Club
of Schenectady, for her stories on women positively impacting their
community through her series, "Today's Women" on WNYT-13; and

WHEREAS, With a true passion for telling stories that give women a
voice, Elaine Houston started her own website for women in 2014,
SHEspeaks2me.com; and

WHEREAS, Equally as important as her professional career is her work
in the community and around the world; in 2012, Elaine Houston's
humanitarian efforts were recognized in a cover story in the June issue
of HERLIFE Magazine; and

WHEREAS, In April of 2005, Elaine Houston received the Trefoil Award
from the Hudson Valley Council of the Girl Scouts, recognizing her as an

outstanding member of the community who serves as a positive role model
to today's Girl Scouts; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, in May of 2004, the College of Saint Rose
bestowed an honorary doctorate degree upon Elaine Houston for her work
in the community as well as her stories on teachers and her commitment
to education; that same month the Women's Press Club selected her as the
Media Person of the Year for her accomplishments in the community and
her work at WNYT; and

WHEREAS, Elaine Houston's first book, The Friendships Between Women,
was published in March of 2004, and is a compilation of letters from
women on tragedy and triumph; the proceeds from the book continue to go
to women in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo through Panzi
Hospital; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Elaine Houston has displayed
throughout her life; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Elaine Houston upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by Girls Incorporated of the Greater Capital Region on
September 29, 2016; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Elaine Houston.