LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Sister Yliana Hernandez, PBVM upon the
occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2015 Caritas Award by
Catholic Charities Community Services of Orange County

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals who have distinguished themselves
through their exemplary careers, accomplishments, and purposeful lives
of service to their community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Sister Yliana Hernandez, PBVM upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of the 2015 Caritas Award by Catholic Charities Community
Services of Orange County at its 9th Annual Celebration of Charity to be
held on Thursday, March 26, 2015, at Anthony's Pier 9, New Windsor, New
York; and
WHEREAS, A woman of singular distinction, Sister Yliana Hernandez
serves as an extraordinary example of one who demonstrates a deep
respect for the dignity of every individual by serving the basic needs
of the most vulnerable in our midst and by significantly contributing to
the building of a compassionate and just society; and
WHEREAS, Yliana Hernandez was born in Cuba and raised on a large sugar
cane plantation where her father worked; in 1961, she left Cuba in order
to avoid the repression of Fidel Castro's regime; and
WHEREAS, Yliana Hernandez was employed in a button factory in New York
City, and as a Bookkeeper at the BonTon Shirt Company; after her fami-
ly's safe arrival to the United States in 1966, she joined the Sisters
of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (PBVM); and
WHEREAS, A firm believer in the power of education, Sister Yliana
Hernandez attended night school to obtain her high school diploma; she
continued with her education earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the
State University of New York at New Paltz, and a Master of Arts degree
from Herbert H. Lehman College, as well as both a Master of Science and
Professional Diploma from Fordham University, and a Professional Diploma
in Administration from Manhattan College; and
WHEREAS, In 2006, Sister Yliana Hernandez became the inaugural Princi-
pal of the Nora Cronin Presentation Academy, a New York State chartered,
private middle school for underprivileged girls in the City of Newburgh,
fostering education as a means to raise expectations for these young
girls; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, intellect and commitment as that demonstrated by Sister
Yliana Hernandez over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others;
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 our
recognition and applause; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Sister Yliana Hernandez, PBVM upon the occasion of her designation
as recipient of the 2015 Caritas Award by Catholic Charities Community
Services of Orange County; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Sister Yliana Hernandez, PBVM.