LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Mary Cipriano-Walter upon the occasion
of her designation as recipient of the Robert F. Bensing Award by the
Prisoners' Legal Services of New York

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, Mary Cipriano-Walter has given not only of her time and ener-
gies but also of her competence, intelligence and leadership and conse-
quently has been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Mary Ciprian-
o-Walter upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Robert
F. Bensing Award by the Prisoners' Legal Services of New York; this
momentous occasion was celebrated at its 4th Annual Pro Bono Event on
Wednesday, October 22, 2014, at the Albany Barn, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Robert F. Bensing Award for Pro Bono Service by a Law
Student was established in honor of the late Robert F. Bensing, who
served as a Staff Attorney at Prisoners' Legal Services, to acknowledge
his passion for service and his support and dedication to the education
of students; and
WHEREAS, Volunteerism is an essential element of all societies; it
provides a way in which the human values of community, caring and serv-
ing can be sustained and strengthened; and
WHEREAS, Mary Cipriano-Walter graduated from Albany Law School with
Pro Bono Honors; her main area of study was in Constitutional Law, with
an emphasis on Critical Race Theory; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional young woman dedicated more than 570 hours of
Pro Bono Service to Prisoners' Legal Services of New York through Pro
Bono work, a summer internship and two field placements; and
WHEREAS, Mary Cipriano-Walter is currently writing an article, "Fall-
ing Off the Track: How Ability Tracking Leads to Intraschool Segre-
gation", which she presented at the Kate Stoneman 20th Anniversary
Student Symposium; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Mary Cipriano-Walter has stood
constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Mary Cipriano-Walter has displayed
throughout her life; 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 and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Mary Cipriano-Walter upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of the Robert F. Bensing Award by the Prisoners' Legal
Services of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mary Cipriano-Walter.