Honor Demarius Coleman's Achievement

Senate Resolution No. 1430 BY: Senator MONTGOMERY HONORING Demarius Coleman upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Harambee Achievement Award by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. on April 8, 2017 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to those young people within the great Empire State who have made strong contributions to their communities and who serve as role models for their peers; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor Demarius Coleman upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Harambee Achievement Award by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., to be feted at its 32nd Annual Harambee Celebration on Saturday, April 8, 2017, at the Medgar Evers College Cafeteria, in Brooklyn, New York; and WHEREAS, The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) is a body of national African American women's organizations and community based sections; founded in 1935 by Mary McLeod Bethune, the NCNW strives to lead, develop, and advocate for women of African descent as they support their families and communities through research, and national and community-based services and programs on health, education, and economic empowerment issues in both the United States and Africa; and WHEREAS, Through 39 national affiliates and more than 240 sections, NCNW has reached and supported nearly four million women; and WHEREAS, The Brooklyn Section of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. was organized on January 22, 1962, at the Bedford YMCA by Odessa L. Skeene, and received its Charter on March 12, 1962; and WHEREAS, The Brooklyn Section maintains a strong commitment to its young people through education, outreach programs, counseling and recognition; it sponsors community ventures to enhance the health and social services of residents through seminars, health fairs and voter registration campaigns for self-empowerment; and WHEREAS, Demarius Coleman is receiving this prestigious award for his exemplary academic accomplishments, community service and church activities; and WHEREAS, A resident of Baldwin, New York, Demarius Coleman was born on February 25, 2003; right from the beginning, he has excelled academically, athletically, and socially; from his very first counselor at his day care center to his 8th grade Spanish teacher, they all agree that he is a delightful, enjoyable, intelligent student who is a pleasure to be around; and WHEREAS, In addition to his teachers, Demarius Coleman is well-liked by his fellow students and teammates; before leaving his neighborhood school and attending Friends Academy, he elected to stay with his existing class so that he could graduate elementary school with his classmates; and WHEREAS, Today, Demarius Coleman is meeting the challenge of the school's rigorous curriculum while playing on the Baldwin Rockets travel soccer team, as well as the school soccer, basketball and track teams; and WHEREAS, This remarkably talented young man has been the recipient of many academic awards, and has won soccer championships with his team; he also tied the school track record in hurtling; in addition to sports, he enjoys writing and was invited to co-write a play for his school; and WHEREAS, When he is not in school, Demarius Coleman loves to spend time with his family and his dog, Dj, and play games; and WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose, this scholar now stands honorably, with just pride in his accomplishments and in eager anticipation of future challenges, understanding and appreciating the caring counsel and support provided by his teachers, minister, and family; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Demarius Coleman upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Harambee Achievement Award by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc.; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Demarius Coleman.