LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Mark Rutkowski for 28 years of distin-
guished service to the YMCA, and 12 years as Director for the New York
State YMCA Youth & Government Program

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished citizens of this great Empire State who have
devoted themselves to faithfully serving the best interests of their
community and the needs of its residents; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his dedication, commitment and efforts on
behalf of the young people in his community and his profession, this
Legislative Body is pleased to pay special tribute to Mark Rutkowski;
and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commend Mark Rutkowski for
28 years of distinguished service to the YMCA, and 12 years as Director
for the New York State YMCA Youth & Government Program, along with
providing direction to its Teen Action Agenda; and
WHEREAS, This momentous milestone will be celebrated with a special
ceremony on Saturday, March 12, 2016, at the Desmond in Albany, New
York, during the New York State YMCA Youth and Government Conference,
March 10-13, 2016; and
WHEREAS, The YMCA Youth and Government program is a national program
of the Y that involves thousands of teens nationwide in state-organized,
model-government programs; students from all over the United States have
the opportunity to immerse themselves in experiential civic engagement
and to, quite literally, practice democracy; and
WHEREAS, Teenagers meet in their local Youth and Government groups
throughout the year to discuss and debate issues that affect citizens of
their state and to propose legislation; the program culminates with
teens serving as delegates at their state conference, debating bills on
the floor of the legislature; and
WHEREAS, For almost three decades, Mark Rutkowski has enthusiastically
served the youth of YMCA programs in not only New York State, but
throughout the Nation; and
WHEREAS, In 1977, Mark Rutkowski became employed at the Hazleton YMCA
in Eastern Pennsylvania as a Physical Education Director; from
1978-1986, he served in the same capacity at YMCAs in Winsted, Connecti-
cut and Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Mark Rutkowski found his home at the Silver Bay YMCA in March
of 1986; throughout 18 years of service, he rose quickly through the
ranks, holding the positions of Program Director to Associate Executive
Director of the Silver Bay Association; throughout his tenure, he made
an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to cross his path;
and
WHEREAS, While at Silver Bay, Mark Rutkowski became involved in the
New York State YMCA Youth & Government Program; for the last 12 years,
he has held the esteemed position of Director for the New York State
Program; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, Mark Rutkowski held numerous leadership roles with
the planning committee for the Youth Conference on National Affairs and
served as the Chair for the National Youth Governor's Conference in
Washington, D. C.; he is also certified as a National YMCA Faculty
Training Coordinator for YMCA staff working with teens; and
WHEREAS, As Director, Mark Rutkowski has witnessed the growth of all
students progressing through the conference; he has literally shaped the
lives of the young people he has taught and encountered in the program
across New York State; and

WHEREAS, For his steadfast and unremitting commitment to the YMCA,
Mark Rutkowski has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades
including the John R. Fisher Award, which recognizes the outstanding
volunteer who demonstrates service and commitment to the annual leader-
ship conference; he also received the 2004 Dr. Paul M. Grist Service
Award at the National Affairs Conference; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to his community, Mark Rutkowski has been a vital
member of the Hague Fire Department, and the Walworth Fire Department
where he has held the title of Assistant Fire Chief for the last two
years; and
WHEREAS, In addition to the time and energy he spends with the Youth
and Government program, Mark Rutkowski enjoys outdoor activities such as
fishing, paddling, running, and gardening; he is also a volunteer fire-
fighter; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his loving wife, Gail, and his
two treasured daughters, Katie and Allison, all of whom feel privileged
to be a part of his life and rejoice in his accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Mark Rutkowski has displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Mark Rutkowski for 28 years of distinguished service to the
YMCA, and 12 years as Director for the New York State YMCA Youth &
Government Program; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mark Rutkowski.