Honor Pioneer FFA Achievement

Senate Resolution No. 4254 BY: Senator GALLIVAN CONGRATULATING Pioneer FFA upon the occasion of its designation as the 2017 Chapter of the Year by the New York State Agricultural Society WHEREAS, The agricultural industry is part of the foundation upon which our distinct American heritage is built; New York State and the entire United States are dependent on our agricultural industry for a variety of food products; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to act, in accord with its long-standing traditions, honoring the youth of today, and leaders of tomorrow, whose character and achievements best exemplify the ideals and values cherished by this great State and Nation; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Pioneer FFA upon the occasion of its designation as the 2017 Chapter of the Year by the New York State Agricultural Society; this momentous occasion was celebrated at its 186th Annual Meeting on Thursday, January

1832 to foster, promote and improve New York State's food and agriculture industry; the Society's mission is to improve the condition of agriculture through education, leadership development and recognition programs, such as the Chapter of the Year Award; and WHEREAS, Led by its extraordinary Advisors, Mary-Lou Genaway and Jon Clayson, Pioneer FFA was also honored with the National Superior Chapter Award at the 90th Annual National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana; and WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of President Katie O'Hare and Vice President Katharina Heitzman, Pioneer FFA members completed several local, state, and national activities in the areas of Growing Leaders, Building Communities, and Strengthening Agriculture; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, representing New York, the chapter also took part in five career development events, including Extemporaneous Speaking, Parliamentary Procedure, Chapter Meeting, Agricultural Sales, and Meats Evaluation; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to its community, Pioneer FFA sponsors a weekly farmers' market in the fall and hosts a Farmer for a Day program for elementary school students; the club also provides Thanksgiving dinners for local families and fills 50 Christmas boxes with gifts for children around the world as part of Operation Christmas Child; and WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose, these young men and women now stand honorably, with just pride in their accomplishments and in eager anticipation of future challenges, understanding and appreciating the caring counsel and support provided by their teachers, advisors and parents; and WHEREAS, These exceptional young adults are a credit to their families, their schools, their community, their State and their Nation, and no doubt their future will be filled with accomplishments of equal importance; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Pioneer FFA upon the occasion of its designation as the