LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Akash Mehta, of Brooklyn, New York,
upon the occasion of his 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, Akash Mehta has distinguished himself as a young man of
superlative ability, establishing a high standard of community service,
purposefulness of life, and sense of responsibility rarely achieved in
youthful years; and
WHEREAS, Akash Mehta, 16, of Brooklyn, New York, and a sophomore at
Saint Ann's School, has achieved national recognition for exemplary
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, Akash Mehta will receive an
engraved bronze medallion; and
WHEREAS, Akash Mehta founded "Kids for a Better Future" when he was 11
years old, and has since raised more than $50,000 to support a number of
projects around the globe; he raised the funds with help from a group of
volunteers by hosting walk-a-thons, bake sales and other fund-raising
events, and has donated the money to help build a school for girls in
Afghanistan, provide resources for homeless children in New York City,
and support former child soldiers in the Congo; 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 Akash Mehta, who use their
considerable talents and resources to serve others; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor Akash Mehta, commend-
ing him for his outstanding record of volunteer service, peer leader-
ship, and community service and recognizing the value of his labors and
the promise of his future; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations, with
praise and pride, to commend Akash Mehta for his achievements and to
extend to him the best wishes of this Legislative Body for a future of
purposeful success and well-being, fully confident of his response to
the challenges of a promising future and appreciative of the model he
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 Akash Mehta.