Honor Shirell Gamble Award

Senate Resolution No. 468 BY: Senator GRIFFO HONORING Shirell Gamble upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the New York Association for Continuing/Community Education 2016 Student of the Year Award WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to take note of those individuals who have distinguished themselves through their exemplary pursuit of education as adults; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Shirell Gamble upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the New York Association for Continuing/Community Education 2016 Student of the Year Award; and WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion was celebrated at its 33rd Annual Student Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, October 25, 2016, at the Clarion Century House, Latham, New York; in addition, honored students will be recognized by their local legislators on Wednesday, October 26, 2016, at the New York State Assembly Chamber in Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, New York Association for Continuing/Community Education (NYACCE) represents adult education professionals with its primary mission in maintaining and expanding education and training opportunities for undereducated adults throughout New York State; and WHEREAS, NYACCE strives to ensure that the opportunities afforded to these students continue to be available, and that additional adults in need of these services continue to be served without barriers; it is well understood individuals who continue their education have a greater chance of improving their employment and quality of life; and WHEREAS, Shirell Gamble understands the value of education and the challenges and hardships that are sometimes faced when trying to obtain that education; and WHEREAS, After dropping out of high school following eleventh grade due to the death of her aunt in 2000, Shirell Gamble faced many personal setbacks, including the death of her mother three years later, and living in a shelter for extended periods of time; and WHEREAS, In December of 2006, Shirell Gamble became the proud mother to a beautiful baby boy, Maurice; and WHEREAS, Determined to create a life of happiness, Shirell Gamble and her son moved from Brooklyn to Utica, New York, where she enrolled in the General Educational Development (GED) program in March of 2012; and WHEREAS, Shirell Gamble passed the GED exam on May 19, 2016, and has enrolled at Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica where she is planning on beginning the Human Services program; her goal is to continue her studies to become a Social Worker; and WHEREAS, Active in her community, Shirell Gamble is a volunteer worker at the Oneida County Board of Elections as well as serving as a member of the Parent Teacher Organization at General Herkimer Elementary School; and WHEREAS, Through her life experiences, Shirell Gamble has become a resourceful problem solver, hard worker, and a steadfast advocate for others; her work ethic, dedication and drive will ensure her continued success in all of her future endeavors; and WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to commend individuals of outstanding character, who have shown initiative and commitment toward constantly pursuing higher goals for themselves, and acting as role models of leadership to be emulated by their peers; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Shirell Gamble upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the New York Association for Continuing/Community Education 2016 Student of the Year Award; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Shirell Gamble.