Honor Albany Youth Leader

November 17, 2016 WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among us all; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Ishmael Morton upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Dedication to Youth Award by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany to be celebrated at its 9th Annual Red, White and Chocolate Event on Thursday,

November 17, 2016, at the Renaissance Hotel, Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany builds hope for many vulnerable children in the most impoverished neighborhoods; by providing a safe haven for children every day after school, this vital organization hopes to develop character-minded individuals who graduate from high school and go on to become productive residents of their communities; and WHEREAS, Ishmael Morton is being recognized for his outstanding devotion, enthusiasm and productivity as Program Director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany at Delaware Avenue, which has been instrumental in the success of important institutional changes and improvements; and WHEREAS, Born in Brooklyn, New York, Ishmael Morton quickly learned to adapt to new environments as his family moved around several times throughout his childhood, eventually settling in Pasadena, California; and WHEREAS, Overcoming much adversity, Ishmael Morton received his first job in youth development as a Youth Recreation Leader for the San Gabriel Department of Parks and Recreation; it was during this time he discovered his true passion for working with children; and WHEREAS, Ishmael Morton then began working with Project Learns, an academic program within the Pasadena Unified School District, where he completed several training courses to develop himself professionally; and WHEREAS, In February of 2006, in hopes of completely removing himself from the adversity of his past, Ishmael Morton moved to Harlem, New York, where he began working with Oasis Children's Services and was provided with the professional development necessary to reach his goals; and WHEREAS, Today, a resident of Albany, New York, Ishmael Morton serves as the Program Director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany at Delaware Avenue; in this capacity he truly makes a difference in the lives of local children and the community at-large; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Ishmael Morton has displayed throughout his life; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Ishmael Morton upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Dedication to Youth Award by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany on