Assembly Resolution No. 87

BY: M. of A. Magee

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
February 18-25, 2017, as FFA Week in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to support and
promote the historic and significant observance of Future Farmers of
America (FFA) Week in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 18-25, 2017,
as FFA Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance
of National FFA Week; and

WHEREAS, This year's FFA theme is "Transform - Purpose to Action",
indicating that the future of agriculture is strong, as is the need for
a healthy and abundant food supply; and

WHEREAS, By acting together, FFA students believe they can transform
the message of agriculture and can continue to educate others on the
importance of agriculture, giving back to others, and serving their
communities; and

WHEREAS, The FFA organization is dedicated to making a positive
difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for
premier leadership, personal growth and career success through
agricultural education; and

WHEREAS, The FFA motto: Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to
Live, Living to Serve, gives its members words to live by; and

WHEREAS, 2017 marks the Centennial Anniversary of the Smith-Hughes
Vocational Education Act of 1917 which provided for the existence of FFA
organizations and agricultural education in our nation's high schools;
and

WHEREAS, Growing from a handful of students from agricultural
classes who came together to form Future Farmers clubs throughout the
country in the 1920s, to an FFA membership of 100,000 by 1935; today,
the National FFA organization has more than 610,000 members in more than
7,600 chapters and encompasses all 50 states as well as Puerto Rico and
the Virgin Islands; and

WHEREAS, The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and
helps set direction for the FFA as a service to state and local
agricultural education programs; and

WHEREAS, In accomplishing its mission, FFA has made a positive
difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for
premier leadership, personal growth and career success through
agricultural education; and

WHEREAS, Agricultural education in New York affects and instructs
students in all parts of the State, and through their efforts, the
officers and members of New York FFA are achieving increased levels of
national recognition for themselves, and their schools and communities,
as well as New York agriculture; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
applaud the leaders of commerce and industry whose accomplishments
contribute to the economic health and prosperity of the communities of
the State of New York and to the quality of life of its people; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim February 18-25, 2017,
as FFA Week in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.