Senate Resolution No. 475

BY: Senator PALUMBO

COMMENDING Caitlyn Michiels upon the occasion of
her designation as a Distinguished Honoree in the
26th 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Caitlyn Michiels upon the occasion of her designation as a
Distinguished Honoree in the 26th Annual Prudential Spirit of Community
Awards program; and

WHEREAS, Caitlyn Michiels 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, Caitlyn Michiels, a resident of Mastic, New York, and a
fifth-grader at Moriches Elementary School has achieved national
recognition for exemplary volunteer service by receiving a 2021
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, After being diagnosed with a rare eye disease in 2018,
Caitlyn Michiels started a nonprofit organization which has collected
more than 700 pairs of used eyeglasses for children who cannot afford
them, and has raised over $30,000 to help people pay for needed eye
care, spread awareness of eye disease, and buy fluorescent light covers
for her district's elementary schools; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Caitlyn Michiels persuaded Suffolk County
officials to enact "Caitlyn's Law," which provides for the distribution
of eye health information and designates the month of August as
Children's Eye Health and Safety Awareness Month; 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 Caitlyn Michiels, who
use their considerable talents and resources to serve others; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor Caitlyn Michiels
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 Caitlyn Michiels 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 Caitlyn Michiels.