Honor Valerie Szuster's Service

27, 2017, at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York; and WHEREAS, Holocaust Remembrance Day, known in Hebrew as Yom HaShoah, is a day set aside for remembering the victims of the Holocaust and for reminding New Yorkers, all Americans, and people around the world of what can happen to civilized people when bigotry, hatred and indifference reign; and WHEREAS, At this auspicious event, Valerie Szuster will be recognized for her diligent work in creating a more civil society for the citizens of not only Nassau County, but the entire State of New York; and WHEREAS, Valerie Szuster, a student at Great Neck North High School, in Great Neck, New York, is extraordinarily gracious, genuine, and kind, and is one of the most concerned young people you will ever meet; people are naturally drawn to her; she is an open-minded and easy-going individual who consistently adheres to her steadfast morals and values; and WHEREAS, Valerie Szuster has a tendency to befriend those who are viewed as outsiders, and is always aware of not excluding others from activities or groups; she is also relentless, enthusiastic, determined and optimistic, a recipe for true success; these desirable qualities serve her well and are bound to take her far in life; and WHEREAS, Valerie Szuster was selected by the entire faculty to serve as a Peer Leader in both her junior and senior years; she co-facilitates weekly group meetings with underclassmen, addressing and discussing various topics, and performing acts of community service, while continually attending a class where she receives instruction on group dynamics; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, Valerie Szuster has been a volunteer for the Friendship Circle, a community organization that pairs high school students with children with special needs; perhaps most meaningful to her is her involvement in the North High clubs that promote diversity in language and culture including the French Club, the International Club, and the Hebrew Club; and WHEREAS, Valerie Szuster's extensive participation and leadership in the our annual International Night is noteworthy, and her enthusiasm in making sure the show is better than the one before is contagious; and WHEREAS, Incredibly sensitive to the well-being and needs of those around her, Valerie Szuster is constantly putting others before herself, living her life by the familiar saying, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"; and WHEREAS, With her sense of civic duty and her commitment to others, Valerie Szuster represents the best development of the potential which is inherent in our most precious resource, our youth; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Valerie Szuster upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the Jewish Community Relations Council at the Annual Holocaust Remembrance Day Commemoration; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Valerie Szuster.