Honor Sophie Kartzman Achievement

Senate Resolution No. 687 BY: Senator O'MARA COMMENDING Sophie Kartzman upon the occasion of her designation as a Distinguished Finalist in the 22nd Annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program 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 exemplify the ideals and values cherished by this great State and Nation; and WHEREAS, Sophie Kartzman has distinguished herself as a young woman of superlative ability, establishing a high standard of community service, purposefulness of life, and sense of responsibility rarely achieved in youthful years; and WHEREAS, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, created in 1995 by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), are designed to emphasize the importance our Nation places on service to others, and to encourage all young Americans to contribute to their communities; and WHEREAS, Sophie Kartzman, an esteemed resident of Big Flats, New York, and an eighth-grader at Horseheads Middle School, has achieved national recognition for exemplary volunteer service by receiving a 2017 Prudential Spirit of Community Award; and WHEREAS, This prestigious award honors young volunteers across America who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to their communities; this year, more than 31,000 young people across the country participated in the program; and WHEREAS, Sophie Kartzman earned this award by first collecting, and then delivering tens of thousands of cards for military members and veterans through the Red Cross Holiday for Heroes Program; she then joined forces with local schools, businesses and other organizations, and subsequently, has surpassed her card collection goal every year; in addition, she started a website to encourage other children to volunteer; and WHEREAS, The success of the State of New York, the strength of our communities, and the vitality of American society depend, in great measure, upon the dedication of young people like Sophie Kartzman, who use their considerable talents and resources to serve others; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor Sophie Kartzman, commending her for her outstanding record of volunteer service, peer leadership, and community service, recognizing the value of her labors and the promise of her future; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations, with praise and pride, to commend Sophie Kartzman for her achievements and to extend to her the best wishes of this Legislative Body for a future of purposeful success and well-being; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Sophie Kartzman.