Assembly Resolution No. 351

BY: M. of A. Garbarino

COMMENDING Heather McNamara upon the occasion of
her designation as a Distinguished Finalist in the
24th 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Heather
McNamara upon the occasion of her designation as a Distinguished
Finalist in the 24th Annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
program, celebrated on Thursday, March 14, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Heather McNamara 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, Heather McNamara, an esteemed resident of Islip Terrace,
New York, and a senior at East Islip High School, has achieved national
recognition for exemplary volunteer service by receiving a 2019
Prudential Spirit of Community Award; and

WHEREAS, This prestigious award honors young volunteers across
America who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to their
communities; and

WHEREAS, Heather McNamara has raised approximately $45,000 for
charities including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and
Make-A-Wish Foundation; and

WHEREAS, This pediatric cancer survivor also creates activity bags
for pediatric patients in the hospital as part of "Heather's Survival
Bags," and serves as a spokesperson for the New York Blood Center and
New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center; and

WHEREAS, Heather McNamara is the East Islip High School Key Club
president and a member of the National Honor Society, National Art Honor
Society and SADD Club; in addition, she is a Make-A-Wish Foundation and
Kiwanis Club of the Islips ambassador and a diligent volunteer at the
Hospitality Too Soup Kitchen at St. Anne's Church in Brentwood; and

WHEREAS, Following graduation, Heather McNamara plans to major in
special education and minor in sign language, with the goal of becoming
a teacher; 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 Heather McNamara, who
use their considerable talents and resources to serve others; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor Heather McNamara,
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 Heather McNamara 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 Heather McNamara.