Honor Elaine Houston Achievement

September 29, 2016 WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among us all; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Elaine Houston upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by Girls Incorporated of the Greater Capital Region, to be celebrated at its FUEL HER FIRE event on Thursday, September 29, 2016, at 90 State Events, Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Elaine Houston earned a Master's degree in International Women's Studies from the State University of New York's Empire State College in 2009; she also holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale; and WHEREAS, Elaine Houston began her illustrious career with WNYT in January of 1990, where today, she is the anchor of News Channel 13 Live at 5:30 and serves as a reporter; and WHEREAS, Her stories have taken her to such places as the White House in 2015 where President Barack Obama posthumously presented World War I soldier Sergeant Henry Johnson with the Medal of Honor, to Oklahoma to cover tornado damage, and to Cuba to cover the infamous custody battle of Elian Gonzalez; and WHEREAS, In 2016, Elaine Houston was presented with the YOU GO GIRL Award from HERLIFE Magazine and the MOM Prom Award from the Zonta Club of Schenectady, for her stories on women positively impacting their community through her series, "Today's Women" on WNYT-13; and WHEREAS, With a true passion for telling stories that give women a voice, Elaine Houston started her own website for women in 2014, SHEspeaks2me.com; and WHEREAS, Equally as important as her professional career is her work in the community and around the world; in 2012, Elaine Houston's humanitarian efforts were recognized in a cover story in the June issue of HERLIFE Magazine; and WHEREAS, In April of 2005, Elaine Houston received the Trefoil Award from the Hudson Valley Council of the Girl Scouts, recognizing her as an outstanding member of the community who serves as a positive role model to today's Girl Scouts; and WHEREAS, Additionally, in May of 2004, the College of Saint Rose bestowed an honorary doctorate degree upon Elaine Houston for her work in the community as well as her stories on teachers and her commitment to education; that same month the Women's Press Club selected her as the Media Person of the Year for her accomplishments in the community and her work at WNYT; and WHEREAS, Elaine Houston's first book, The Friendships Between Women, was published in March of 2004, and is a compilation of letters from women on tragedy and triumph; the proceeds from the book continue to go to women in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo through Panzi Hospital; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Elaine Houston has displayed throughout her life; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Elaine Houston upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by Girls Incorporated of the Greater Capital Region on