LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Regina McGuire upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the 2016 Youth Award by the Bethlehem Cham-
ber of Commerce

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to act, in accord
with its long-standing traditions, to honor 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, Regina McGuire has given not only of her time and energies
but also of her competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently
has been designated for special recognition; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Regina McGuire
upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2016 Youth
Award by the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce to be celebrated at the 31st
Annual Awards Dinner on Friday, April 8, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1957, the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce works
on a local and regional level to advance economic development and foster
a positive business environment; it offers resources for residents,
business, recreation and relocation in Bethlehem and the surrounding
region; and
WHEREAS, A Senior at Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk (RCS) High School, Regina
McGuire was diagnosed with severe Aplastic Anemia at the young age of
six years old; and
WHEREAS, Aplastic Anemia causes the body to stop producing sufficient
new blood cells, and for 11 years, Regina McGuire relied on the generous
blood donations of others; as a result, she remains involved with the
Red Cross, acting as a Red Cross Blood Donation Ambassador, and partic-
ipating in public service videos for WNYT Television, WGNA Radio and for
Albany Medical Center's Radiothon Fundraiser in order to educate the
public on the importance of blood donations and encourage them to help
those in need; and
WHEREAS, In 2005, Regina McGuire was selected as the poster child for
The Ronald McDonald House in Baltimore, Maryland, and Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, and through her efforts, has been active in calling atten-
tion to the services this non-profit provides to individuals and fami-
lies; and
WHEREAS, Designated as an Angel Representative for the Make-A-Wish
Christmas Fundraiser, Regina McGuire's wish is to continue her passion
of performing with the Empire State Youth Orchestra's String Ensemble
and Reperatory Orchestra while playing an adult violin; and
WHEREAS, Regina McGuire has been called upon to contribute her time
and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always
given of herself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Regina McGuire gives back to her community by participating
in ESYO Play-A-Thon fundraisers, and has volunteered at the New York
State School Music Association Festival when it was at RCS High School;
she is a member of the RCS High School chorus and has sung at the Empire
State Plaza holiday performances as well as performed with the RCS
Harmonics at the Albany Pro Musica Choral Festival at the Troy Savings
Bank Music Hall; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed young woman also finds time to be a Youth
Circle Member of the Transplant Recipient International Organization,
where she helps support young transplant candidates, recipients, donors
and their families; and
WHEREAS, In addition to her service work, Regina McGuire is a member
of the National Honor Society and is in the top 10 percent of her class
despite her health challenges; she has been accepted early as a Biology

major by four colleges and is interested in pursuing a career in immu-
nology or virology research and is strongly considering specializing in
microbiology and the study of cells; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Regina McGuire has displayed through
her tireless advocacy, positivity, perseverance and selflessness; and
WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose, this
young woman now stands honorably, with just pride in her achievements
and in eager anticipation of future challenges; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body would like to wish Regina McGuire
continued success throughout her school years and beyond; 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 Regina McGuire upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the 2016 Youth Award by the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Regina McGuire.