Senate Resolution No. 592

BY: Senator BRESLIN

COMMENDING Onovu Otitigbe-Dangerfield upon the
occasion of her designation as the first Black
Valedictorian in Albany High School history

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to act in accord
with its long-standing traditions, to honor the youth of today, the
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 Onovu
Otitigbe-Dangerfield upon the occasion of her designation as the first
Black Valedictorian in Albany High School history; and

WHEREAS, Onovu Otitigbe-Dangerfield has distinguished herself as a
young woman of superlative ability, establishing a high standard of
academic excellence and purposefulness of life rarely achieved in
youthful years; and

WHEREAS, Onovu Otitigbe-Dangerfield represents the best of developed
potential inherent in our most precious resource, our youth; her
achievements have brought enduring honor to her family and community and
should be recognized and saluted; and

WHEREAS, With a near perfect Grade Point Average (GPA), Onovu
Otitigbe-Dangerfield is graduating at the top of her class at Albany
High School, becoming the first Black valedictorian in school history, a
history that dates back to Reconstruction just after the Civil War in
1868, 152 years ago; and

WHEREAS, It is not just anyone who can say they have made history in
high school, Onovu Otitigbe-Dangerfield is one such person; and

WHEREAS, A stellar student, a talented musician and artist, and a
compassionate person, Onovu Otitigbe-Dangerfield, whose interests and
strengths are varied, loves singing in the Select Choir, playing violin
and piano in the Jazz Improv Band, and playing soccer; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, this extraordinary young woman has devoted her
time on the weekends to working at a nursing home; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her academic achievements, she is President
of the Robotics Team, President of Key Club, and Editor-in-Chief of the
school's on-line newspaper; and

WHEREAS, Onovu Otitigbe-Dangerfield is a trailblazer and serves as a
role model for girls across her community who are seeking to break
boundaries and achieve their dreams; and

WHEREAS, Just like Vice President Kamala Harris, who became the
first vice president of color earlier this year, Onovu
Otitigbe-Dangerfield, would like to be a role model for girls and all
students of color; this scholarly dynamo has already been accepted at

such prestigious schools as, Harvard, Yale, Cornell, Johns Hopkins, and
Georgia Tech, to name a few; and

WHEREAS, Recognized as a treasure by her teachers, Onovu
Otitigbe-Dangerfield is known for her poise, her grace, and her
humility, along with so much sparkle in everything she does; and

WHEREAS, As Onovu Otitigbe-Dangerfield takes her leave of Albany
High School, she bequeaths a legacy of academic achievement, school
involvement and community service to which others may aspire; and

WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose, this
scholar now stands honorably, with just pride in her accomplishments and
in eager anticipation of future challenges, understanding and
appreciating the caring counsel and support provided by her teachers and
parents; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Onovu Otitigbe-Dangerfield for her outstanding academic
achievement and to extend to her the best wishes of this Legislative
Body for a future of purposeful success and well-being, fully confident
of her response to a promising future and appreciative of the model she
represents for all aspiring young people of the Empire State; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Valedictorian Onovu Otitigbe-Dangerfield.