Honor Heather McNamara's Service

Assembly Resolution No. 351 BY: M. of A. Garbarino COMMENDING Heather McNamara upon the occasion of her designation as a Distinguished Finalist in the 24th 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Heather McNamara upon the occasion of her designation as a Distinguished Finalist in the 24th Annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, celebrated on Thursday, March 14, 2019; and WHEREAS, Heather McNamara 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, Heather McNamara, an esteemed resident of Islip Terrace, New York, and a senior at East Islip High School, has achieved national recognition for exemplary volunteer service by receiving a 2019 Prudential Spirit of Community Award; and WHEREAS, This prestigious award honors young volunteers across America who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to their communities; and WHEREAS, Heather McNamara has raised approximately $45,000 for charities including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Make-A-Wish Foundation; and WHEREAS, This pediatric cancer survivor also creates activity bags for pediatric patients in the hospital as part of "Heather's Survival Bags," and serves as a spokesperson for the New York Blood Center and New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center; and WHEREAS, Heather McNamara is the East Islip High School Key Club president and a member of the National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society and SADD Club; in addition, she is a Make-A-Wish Foundation and Kiwanis Club of the Islips ambassador and a diligent volunteer at the Hospitality Too Soup Kitchen at St. Anne's Church in Brentwood; and WHEREAS, Following graduation, Heather McNamara plans to major in special education and minor in sign language, with the goal of becoming a teacher; 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 Heather McNamara, who use their considerable talents and resources to serve others; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor Heather McNamara, 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 Heather McNamara 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 Heather McNamara.