Senate Resolution No. 1551

BY: Senator PERSAUD

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
September 18, 2024, as School Backpack Awareness Day
in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase awareness of important
initiatives that affect the lives of the students of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 18, 2024, as
School Backpack Awareness Day in the State of New York, in conjunction
with the observance of National School Backpack Awareness Day; and

WHEREAS, National School Backpack Awareness Day strives to make sure
students wear backpacks safely; improper use can lead to back pain or
injury, which can impact learning; and

WHEREAS, On School Backpack Awareness Day, teachers, students and
parents come together to make sure families are aware of the risks, and
that backpacks are being worn properly; and

WHEREAS, In 1938, Gerry Outdoors invented the modern backpack; it
was mainly used as a tool for outdoor recreation such as hiking, fishing
and camping trips; and

WHEREAS, Thirty years later, in 1968, lightweight nylon backpacks
were introduced; this expanded the use of backpacks to students across
the country; this was also the year JanSport, the world's largest
backpack maker, went into business; and

WHEREAS, By 2001, the American Occupational Therapy Association
launched the country's first ever National Backpack Awareness Day
dedicated to backpacks and safety; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this
initiative, and more must be done to increase activity at the local,
State and National levels; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 18, 2024, as
School Backpack Awareness Day in the State of New York; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.