LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Jacqueline Hesse upon the occasion of
her designation as recipient of the Human Rights Award by the Orange
County Human Rights Commission

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 individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions 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 Jacqueline
Hesse upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Human
Rights Award by the Orange County Human Rights Commission, to be cele-
brated at its 21st Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, April 21, 2016, at
The Fountains of Wallkill, Middletown, New York; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed woman has been called upon to contribute her
time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has
always given of herself unstintingly; she is being honored by the Orange
County Human Rights Commission in recognition of her steadfast dedi-
cation to the community and her work to build better relationships among
diverse people, encouraging them to participate in community life on an
equal basis; and
WHEREAS, Jacqueline Hesse is a respected English Language Arts teacher
at the Excelsior Academy who has dedicated her career to promoting
social justice education and building a classroom pedagogy centered
around promoting cultural understanding; and
WHEREAS, An emerging leader in the Hudson Valley Writing Project, a
regional affiliate of the National Writing Project, Jacqueline Hesse has
worked with her students and numerous regional educators to help people
better recognize the injustices in the world and realize the power they
have as agents of change; and
WHEREAS, Recently, Jacqueline Hesse oversaw a project-based learning
experience for the entire 10th grade of Excelsior Academy which culmi-
nated in a Modern Day Slavery Awareness Fair where attendees learned
about the cycles of oppression which lead to modern-day slavery and
modern-day injustices throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, Jacqueline Hesse has inspired her students to be
active volunteers in the Newburgh community with such non-profit organ-
izations as Habitat for Humanity and the Special Olympics; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Jacqueline Hesse 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 Jacqueline Hesse 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 Jacqueline Hesse upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the Human Rights Award by the Orange County Human Rights Commission;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Jacqueline Hesse.