LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Eugene Scott upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Student of the Year 2014 Award by the
New York Association for Continuing/Community Education

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor individuals
whose character and achievements exemplify the ideals and values cher-
ished by the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is proud to commend Eugene
Scott upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Student
of the Year 2014 Award by the New York Association for
Continuing/Community Education (NYACCE); he will be honored at its 31st
Annual Student Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, March 11, 2014, at The Clar-
ion Century House, Latham, New York; and
WHEREAS, The goals of NYACCE are to achieve professional recognition
of adult continuing and community education in New York State, and to
provide quality life-long learning to everyone; and
WHEREAS, Eugene Scott embodies the principles of hard work, determi-
nation, resourcefulness, and commitment that exemplify the tremendous
worth of adult continuing education, and characterizes what is best in
the residents of the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Eugene Scott is a young man who turned a potentially life-
shattering event into an opportunity for personal growth; scheduled to
graduate in June 2012, he was arrested in front of his classmates at
Middletown High School, and sent to Orange County Jail; and
WHEREAS, This resilient New Yorker made the most of his restricted
time and enrolled in the Orange-Ulster BOCES Incarcerated Education
Program; he was an exemplary student, earning "Student of the Month"
honors, as well as the respect and admiration of the program staff and
administration for his prodigious work ethic, calm disposition, and
respectful nature; and
WHEREAS, Eugene Scott continued on his future-focused track when he
was released from the facility; he enrolled in the Orange-Ulster BOCES
Second Chances Youth Program in Middletown, New York, quickly earned his
high school equivalency diploma, and then enrolled in the Orange-Ulster
BOCES Certified Nursing Assistant Program; and
WHEREAS, Motivated to enter the nursing field by caring for his elder-
ly father, Eugene Scott excelled in the program; in the clinical setting
he was empathetic, compassionate, and demonstrated a high degree of
personal integrity, took on every task, and served as a team leader to
his classmates, taking care to encourage others; and
WHEREAS, Eugene Scott gained employment immediately after receiving
his nursing assistant certification on August 21, 2013, but his unremit-
ting commitment to achievement has propelled him beyond that role; he is
currently enrolled in an Emergency Medical Technician program, and
aspires to enter a Pre-Med program in the very near future; and
WHEREAS, Eugene Scott is a true role model for others, and a powerful
reminder that we can change the course of our lives; in his overcoming
obstacles through hard work, perseverance and a positive vision for the
future, he is an inspiration to us all; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Eugene Scott upon the occasion of his designation as recip-
ient of the Student of the Year 2014 Award by the New York Association
for Continuing/Community Education; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Eugene Scott.