Senate Resolution No. 2173

BY: Senator GAUGHRAN

HONORING Shawn Powell upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Norman R. McConney,
Jr. Award for Educational Opportunity Program
Student Excellence from the State University of New
York

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

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Shawn Powell
upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Norman R.
McConney, Jr. Award for Educational Opportunity Program Student
Excellence from the State University of New York, to be celebrated on
Thursday, April 14, 2022; and

WHEREAS, The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) is a
comprehensive support program which plays a pivotal role in opening
doors to a SUNY education for academically disadvantaged students from
low-income families in the State of New York; EOP is one of the oldest
and most successful college access programs in the nation; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious award honors the legacy of Norman R.
McConney, Jr., a University at Albany graduate who alongside former
Assembly Deputy Speaker Arthur O. Eve, created the Educational
Opportunity Program, a program which has changed the lives of tens of
thousands of students over its more than 50 years; and

WHEREAS, This special honor recognizes EOP students who have shown
tremendous leadership academically and socially on their campus, and who
have overcome unique challenges on their path to success; Shawn Powell
is one such individual; and

WHEREAS, A proven leader within EOP, Shawn Powell possess both the
motivation and the promise to succeed in higher education; with a
current GPA of 3.7, this extraordinary young man continues to excel in
his studies while working with administration and mentoring classmates;
and

WHEREAS, Shawn Powell has been the proud recipient of numerous
awards and accolades, including a Certificate of Achievement for Young
Leaders from the Suffolk County Human Rights Commission and Inter-Faith
Anti-Bias Task Force in recognition of his steadfast commitment to human
rights and efforts to foster mutual respect and inclusion within his
school and community; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, he was awarded the SEPTA on behalf of the
Ancient Order of Hibernians Continuing Education Award; 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 Shawn Powell, who use
their considerable talents and resources to serve others; and

WHEREAS, Shawn Powell, in achieving this high academic honor, may
take just pride in the inspiration and contribution to the spirit of
excellence he brings to his family, friends, community and school; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor Shawn Powell, a
young man and able scholar, recognizing the value of his labors and the
promise of his future; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Shawn Powell upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the Norman R. McConney, Jr. Award for Educational Opportunity Program
Student Excellence, and to extend to him 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 Shawn Powell.