LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring CJ Theiss upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of a 2014 Youth Empowerment Award by the Gay,
Lesbian & Straight Education Network

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary women it wishes to recognize for their valued contrib-
utions to the success and progress of society and publicly acknowledge
their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor CJ Theiss upon
the occasion of her designation as recipient of a 2014 Youth Empowerment
Award by the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, to be celebrated
at its 16th Anniversary Gala Celebration, A Breakfast at Tiffany's GLSEN
Formal Affair, on Friday, June 13, 2014, at the Washington Park Lake-
house, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception in 1990, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight
Education Network (GLSEN) has worked to assure that each member of every
school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orien-
tation or gender identity/expression; as a local chapter, GLSEN focuses
its efforts on the youth and educators of the eight counties surrounding
the Capital Region; and
WHEREAS, A resident of Albany, New York, CJ Theiss is a Health Educa-
tor at Shaker Junior High School; she was nominated for this auspicious
award by her Principal Russ Moore, for having helped their students at
Shaker Junior High School to start a Gay Straight Alliance Club this
past school year; and
WHEREAS, With the junior high years being extremely difficult for
kids, CJ Theiss recognizes the need to assist students with working
through their questions pertaining to sexuality and sexual identity in a
manner that is informative, supportive, non-judgmental and enlightening;
and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, CJ Theiss has reached out to GLSEN for support
and inclusive curriculum to help educate the Shaker Junior High School
community; she has since become a resource herself and has helped other
local educators in supporting youth within schools in other districts;
and
WHEREAS, CJ Theiss has clearly had an enduring impact on the youth of
Shaker Junior High School, as well as on the community-at-large, and
accordingly merits recognition and applause for her impressive dedi-
cation to others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated by all the citizens of this great Empire
State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor CJ Theiss upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of a
2014 Youth Empowerment Award by the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education
Network; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to CJ Theiss.