Senate Resolution No. 2056

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Sonji Henton upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Mother of Pearl
Award by the Frank Chapman Memorial Institute, Inc.
on May 13, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those nurses from this great Empire State who have
distinguished themselves through professional excellence and have made
significant contributions to the quality of life of its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Sonji Henton upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
Mother of Pearl Award by the Frank Chapman Memorial Institute, Inc. to
be celebrated at its 9th Annual Extravaganza on Saturday, May 13, 2017,
at the Albany Ramada Plaza Hotel in Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, Sonji Henton was born in a small town in Mississippi where
she and her sister were raised by their mother Rosie Henton; in 1988,
the small family relocated to Albany; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from Albany High School, Sonji Henton
earned her associate degree in accounting, and a Bachelor of Science
degree in Nursing; she furthered her education by obtaining her master's
degree in Nursing Education; and

WHEREAS, For the last seven years, Sonji Henton has served as a
nurse in several capacities; she was a medical/surgical nurse at Albany
Medical Center, providing care to individuals from the community, and is
a school nurse at Albany High/Abrookin Vocational Center where she
provides care to both students and staff; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Sonji Henton was a corrections nurse,
providing care to inmates and officers, and case management/utilization
review for New York State Department of Corrections and Community
Supervision; she also holds the position of Medical Parole Coordinator
for the New York State Department of Corrections; and

WHEREAS, Sonji Henton enjoys teaching and sharing her skills with
future nurses as a member of the adjunct faculty at Mildred Elley; in
this capacity, she teaches students didactic and clinical skills, and
participates in curriculum development for the practical nursing
program; and

WHEREAS, This dynamic woman is a vital part of the Advisory Board
for Albany High/Abrookin Vocation Center, serving as a link between the
school and the community; she also travels to various schools where she
speaks to students in the healthcare field about her career in medicine,
and encourages them to continue their education and become nurses; and

WHEREAS, In addition to all of these noble roles, Sonji Henton helps
take care of her developmentally disabled sister, and serves on the

Usher and Nurses Ministry at Sweet Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church;
and

WHEREAS, Built upon the proud tradition of caring, the profession of
nursing is dedicated to implementing the best practices to deliver the
highest quality of care to those whom they serve; and

WHEREAS, These exceptional individuals, leaders in their profession,
make a difference in the lives of every one of their patients, as well
as the patients' family members they serve each and every day; they have
truly proven themselves to be great assets to the health and welfare of
the citizens of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, A woman of true integrity, Sonji Henton has served as a
Registered Nurse with distinction, enthusiasm, dedication and honor; for
almost four decades, she has rendered faithful, conscientious and
valuable service to the Capital Region, earning the admiration, esteem
and affection of her colleagues; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, 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
honor Sonji Henton upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the Mother of Pearl Award by the Frank Chapman Memorial Institute, Inc.
on May 13, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Sonji Henton.