Senate Resolution No. 2353

BY: Senator JACOBS

HONORING Keaonte Townsend upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the 2017 Youth of the
Year Award by the Boys & Girls Club of the
Northtowns

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those young people within the great Empire State who have
made strong contributions to their communities and who serve as role
models for their peers; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Keaonte Townsend upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the Youth of the Year Award by the Boys & Girls Club of the Northtowns;
and

WHEREAS, The Boys & Girls Club's highest honor, the Youth of the
Year Award, recognizes outstanding contributions to a club member's
family, school, and overall community, as well as their perseverance in
overcoming personal challenges and obstacles; these honorees are shining
examples and living proof that great futures start at Boys & Girls
Clubs; and

WHEREAS, Since September of 2015, Keaonte Townsend has been a member
of the Riverside Teen Center; in this capacity, he participates in
numerous community service projects, fundraisers, and special events to
educate the members and raise awareness for other issues surrounding the
neighborhood; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to his community, Keaonte Townsend works with
local youth in Diplomas 2 Degrees, a college preparatory program;
currently, he and his peers are organizing a college road trip for high
school juniors and seniors to expose them to the college culture as he
has been through his attendance at Middle Early College High School; and

WHEREAS, A senior at Middle Early College, Keaonte Townsend commutes
to Erie Community College for college level courses; he is dedicated to
maintaining his grades and ensuring his future success by staying on top
of his academics; and

WHEREAS, An ambitious and hard-working scholar, Keaonte Townsend
plans to attend Erie Community College to study Criminal Justice and be
a positive and strong force in the community as well as a role model for
the local youth; and

WHEREAS, Through his active involvement in the community and his
sincere dedication to others, Keaonte Townsend has become an exceptional
role model for others; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body 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; now, therefore, be it


RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Keaonte Townsend upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the Youth of the Year Award by the Boys & Girls Club of the
Northtowns; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Keaonte Townsend.