LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Jessica Penna, of Hampton Bays, New
York, upon the occasion of her designation as a Distinguished Finalist
in the 19th 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, Jessica Penna 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, Jessica Penna, 18, of Hampton Bays, New York, and a senior at
St. Anthony's High School, has achieved national recognition for exem-
plary volunteer service by being named a 2014 Prudential Spirit of
Community Distinguished Finalist; 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, As a Distinguished Finalist, Jessica Penna will receive an
engraved bronze medallion; and
WHEREAS, Jessica Penna founded the first ever school-based club for
"Kids Stock the House," an organization which supports Ronald McDonald
Houses; as President of the 75-member club, Jessica has organized a
number of fundraising activities which have raised more than $25,000 to
support the local Ronald McDonald House and encouraged other schools to
get involved; and
WHEREAS, The success of the State of New York, the strength of our
communities, and the vitality of American society depend, in great meas-
ure, upon the dedication of young people like Jessica Penna, who use
their considerable talents and resources to serve others; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor Jessica Penna,
commending her for her outstanding record of volunteer service, peer
leadership, and community service and 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 Jessica Penna for her achievements and to
extend to her the best wishes of this Legislative Body for a future of
purposeful success and well-being, fully confident of her response to
the challenges of a promising future and appreciative of the model she
represents for all young people of the Empire State; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Jessica Penna.