Honor Vanessa Mendes' Service

April 26, 2018 WHEREAS, It is the custom 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, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Vanessa Mendes upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the Jewish Community Relations Council-Long Island, at its Annual Holocaust Remembrance Day Commemoration to be held on Thursday, April 26, 2018, 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, Vanessa Mendes 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, A student at Mineola High School, Vanessa Mendes is a dedicated and committed member of her school's Student Service Center which focuses on interactive programs with local senior citizens; each week, the students visit a local nursing home to visit with residents and help them work on an art project; and WHEREAS, In addition to working with seniors, Vanessa Mendes enjoys cooking dinner for the children and families staying at the Ronald McDonald House; and WHEREAS, Vanessa Mendes is also a regular participant in SPARC, a program which brings urban and suburban high school students together to complete a service project each month; this kind and compassionate young woman also assists eighth grade students in various service activities; and WHEREAS, Vanessa Mendes is a credit to her family, school, community, and her State and Nation, and it is certain that her future will be filled with accomplishments of equal importance; and WHEREAS, With her sense of civic duty and her commitment to others, Vanessa Mendes 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 Vanessa Mendes upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the Jewish Community Relations Council-Long Island, at its Annual Holocaust Remembrance Day Commemoration on April 26, 2018; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Vanessa Mendes.