Honor David Rust Award

Senate Resolution No. 1479 BY: Senator JACOBS HONORING David Rust upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2017 Community Leader Education Award by the National Federation for Just Communities of Western New York WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled; its history and stature are secured by the superlative caliber of its educational professionals and the students they inspire; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor David Rust upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2017 Community Leader Education by the National Federation for Just Communities of Western New York, celebrated at its Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, January 25, 2017, at the Buffalo Convention Center in Buffalo, New York; and WHEREAS, The Community Leaders Awards recognize individuals/organizations in WNY who have made significant contributions to this region through their involvement in volunteer activities and/or their special achievements in specific areas of community and professional life; David Rust truly exemplifies the National Federation for Just Communities (NFJC) of Western New York's mission of promoting goodwill, understanding, respect, and trust; and WHEREAS, A graduate of St. Bonaventure, David Rust is the Executive Director of Say Yes to Education Buffalo; in this capacity, he works to improve the education and lives of all Buffalo students; he also manages the resources, and harnesses the energies of thousands of teachers, parents, students and partners; and WHEREAS, Each and every day, David Rust strives to empower an entire generation of students to succeed in school and ultimately in life; and WHEREAS, David Rust is a champion of education, volunteering with numerous youth-based agencies in the City of Buffalo; prior to his role at Say Yes to Education Buffalo, he held the position of Director of the Erie County Youth Bureau and Deputy Commissioner for Youth Services/Social Services; and WHEREAS, In addition, David Rust served as the Program Director for the Youth Development Foundation of Dale Carnegie of Western New York, and was both the Associate Director and Administrator at the Sommerville College in England; and WHEREAS, Educators like David Rust provide a tremendous service to the future of our State and Nation, inspiring generations of young people in their educational journeys and ensuring their success in their future years; and WHEREAS, David Rust has clearly had an enduring impact on the youth of the City of Buffalo, as well as on the community-at-large, and accordingly merits recognition and applause for his impressive dedication to others; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the efforts of those individuals who work to support our proud tradition of public education by providing their skills and talents to our schools; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor David Rust upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2017 Community Leader Education Award by the National Federation for Just Communities of Western New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to David Rust.