2013 -- S 0872

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LC02432

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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2013

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S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

HONORING AND COMMENDING THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF

RHODE ISLAND YOUTH OF THE YEAR PROGRAM

     Introduced By: Senators Goodwin, Paiva Weed, Walaska, and Lombardi

     Date Introduced: April 24, 2013

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

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     WHEREAS, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Rhode Island are an integral part of our

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communities. Not only do they provide a safe space for our youth, but their programs help our

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young people develop and build the skills they need to be successful; and

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     WHEREAS, Since 1947, the Youth of the Year program has encouraged young members

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of the Boys & Girls Club to reach their full potential through academic success, healthy lifestyles,

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and contributing to their communities; and

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     WHEREAS, The Youth of the Year program richly demonstrates the positive impact the

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Boys & Girls Clubs exert on young peoples’ lives and on the future of our nation. Boys & Girls

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Clubs help youth enter the world with positive self-identity, educational, social, emotional, and

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cultural competencies, community and civic involvement, a moral compass, and attributes and

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capabilities our young people need to become responsible, successful, patriotic adults and leaders.

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Youth of the Year winners at the local, state, regional, and national levels exemplify the hard

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work, determination, and hope of the Boys & Girls Club movement; and

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     WHEREAS, The rich history of the Youth of the Year program emanates from the efforts

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of generations of dedicated staff and volunteers who have mentored Club youth and helped them

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to reach their full potential; and

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     WHEREAS, Being named a Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club

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member can receive. This award signifies that the member has contributed in multiple ways to

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their family, school, community, and Boys & Girls Club. The award also testifies to the fact that

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the recipient has had to overcome personal challenges and obstacles, even as they have devoted

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time and effort into improving the lives of those around them; and

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     WHEREAS, It is fitting that our outstanding young people and the organizations that

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support them are recognized for making Rhode Island a better place. In 2013, we honor the

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following eight young people who have made an indelible impression on their communities:

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Ra'Kwon Jordan, Keanii Duffy-Matos, Mellany Rodas, Austin Taft, Lauren Kowalski, Meg

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Flanagan, Briana Bier, and Hannah Lewis; now, therefore be it

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     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

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hereby honors and commends the Boys & Girls Clubs of Rhode Island and congratulates the eight

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young people who have been named Youth of the Year. We thank all of the people involved who

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have contributed selflessly to their communities, served as role models, and committed

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themselves to doing more for the state. We extend to the awardees our best wishes for success,

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and hope the Boys & Girls Clubs continue their fine work shaping the lives of Rhode Islanders;

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and be it further

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     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

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transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to James I. Clark, President and CEO of the Boys

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& Girls Clubs of America.

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LC02432

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