LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Daveisha Richards upon the occasion of
her designation as recipient of a Marian I. Hughes Scholarship Award by
the Black Women's Association of Albany on June 20, 2015

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 best exemplify the ideals
and values cherished by this great State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Daveisha Richards upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of a
Marian I. Hughes Scholarship Award by the Black Women's Association of
Albany, to be celebrated at its Marian I. Hughes Scholarship Awards
Dinner Dance on Saturday, June 20, 2015, at The Desmond Hotel, Albany,
New York; and
WHEREAS, The theme of this year's auspicious event will be "Vision to
Victory!"; JoDee Kenney, News Anchor on Time Warner Cable News will
serve as Keynote Speaker; Shari W. Quinn, local author and educator,
will be selling copies of her latest book, DISLOYALTY, and popular DJ
Syxxfiggaz will provide dance music; and
WHEREAS, The Black Women's Association of Albany (BWAA) was founded on
September 21, 1977, by a group of dynamic women with the purpose to
stimulate social awareness, encourage cultural growth, help youth real-
ize their full potential through education and serve as positive role
models for African American women of all ages; and
WHEREAS, The BWAA Marian I. Hughes Scholarship Awards were established
in 2005, in memory of Mrs. Hughes, an educational leader who held vari-
ous teaching and administrative positions in the City School District of
Albany; she was also an Associate in the New York State Education
Department, the author of two books about the history of public school
education in Albany, and an advocate for better human relations; and
WHEREAS, A Senior at Albany High School, Daveisha Richards has main-
tained an impressive 87.5% GPA, ranking 85th out of her graduating class
of 475 students; she has taken several challenging classes such as
Advanced Placement European History, United States History, Literature
and Composition, English Language Composition, and United States Govern-
ment and Politics; and
WHEREAS, Daveisha Richards was a recipient of the University at
Albany's Multicultural High School Achievers Award and the Capital
District Susu Women's Club Scholarship; and
WHEREAS, Passionate about both the visual and performing arts, Davei-
sha Richards explored these fields at the Discovery Academy at Albany
High School; she and her teacher worked with young people at the Albany
School of Humanities; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Daveisha Richards participated in her high
school's After School Performing Arts Program and Acting Intensive, a
summer program sponsored by Capital Repertory Theater; she has been in
several theatrical performances and worked backstage as part of the
costume team for the school production of ANNIE; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to the well-being of her community, Daveisha Rich-
ards participates in the Capital District YMCA Black & Latino Achievers
Program, and is an active member in the Black Catholic Apostolate Church
Youth Group; and
WHEREAS, After graduation, Daveisha Richards will attend Long Island
University, and aspires to a successful acting career; and

WHEREAS, As Daveisha Richards takes her leave of Albany High School,
she leaves a legacy of academic achievement, school involvement and
community service to which others may aspire; and
WHEREAS, Daveisha Richards stands poised on the threshold of a broad
and challenging world, a testament to the love and nurturing care of her
family, friends and school; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor Daveisha Richards, a
young woman and able scholar, 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 to
honor Daveisha Richards upon the occasion of her designation as recipi-
ent of a Marian I. Hughes Scholarship Award, to commend her for her
outstanding academic achievement 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 a promising future and appreciative
of the model she represents for all aspiring young people of the Empire
State; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Daveisha Richards.