2018 -- H 8181

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LC005634

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2018

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H O U S 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: Representatives Diaz, Slater, Blazejewski, Barros, and Edwards

     Date Introduced: May 09, 2018

     Referred To: House read and passed

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

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

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

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

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

and contributing to their communities; and

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

to reach their full potential; and

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

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

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

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

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

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

support them are recognized for making Rhode Island a better place. In 2018, we honor the

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

Brianna M. George, Boys & Girls Club of East Providence, Destiny Monteiro, Boys & Girls Club

of Pawtucket, Latifat Odetunde, Boys & Girls Club of Providence, Nicholas Iarussi, Boys & Girls

Club of Northern Rhode Island, Olivia Martinelli, Boys & Girls Club of Warwick, and Terrell L.

Bennett, Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby honors and commends the Boys & Girls Clubs of Rhode Island

and congratulates the six young people who have been named Youth of the Year. We thank all of

the people involved who have contributed selflessly to their communities, served as role models,

and committed themselves to doing more for the state. We extend to the awardees our best wishes

for success, and hope the Boys & Girls Clubs continue their fine work shaping the lives of Rhode

Islanders; and be it further

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

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

& Girls Clubs of America.

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