Senate Resolution No. 5678

BY: Senator BRESLIN

COMMENDING Evelyn Rituno upon the occasion of
being crowned Mini Miss Spirit USA 2018

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor today's
young people, the leaders of tomorrow, whose character and achievements
exemplify the ideals and values cherished by this great State and
Nation; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Evelyn Rituno upon the occasion of being crowned Mini Miss
Spirit USA 2018; and

WHEREAS, A third-grader at Slingerlands Elementary School, Evelyn
Rituno has been using her success on the pageant circuit to benefit
animals and local wildlife; and

WHEREAS, Evelyn Rituno began entering pageants two years ago; since
then, she has competed in 16, winning 13 local pageants and placing
second in two; last summer, she captured her first national title, Mini
Miss Spirit USA; and

WHEREAS, During the competition, Evelyn Rituno's platform focused on
all animal rights, not just the cute and snuggly ones; she truly
believes all animals need love; shortly thereafter, she decided to raise
funds for the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society in Menands, New York; and

WHEREAS, Evelyn Rituno organized her own pageant at Sprinkles Spa in
Clifton Park, New York; this determined young lady planned the entire
event, including choosing the venue, prizes, crowns and color of the
sashes; 16 girls competed in three age groups and a winner and runner-up
were chosen, however, every girl received a crown; and

WHEREAS, Evelyn Rituno also presented the Charity Queen Award to the
contestant who donated the most pet supplies; Evelyn raised $548 and
collected more than 200 donations for the Humane Society; and

WHEREAS, In the summer of 2018, Evelyn Rituno plans to raise
additional funds for the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society by offering a
dog-walking service; and

WHEREAS, Evelyn Rituno also enjoys helping people; she has appeared
at numerous events and during the holiday season, she sang Christmas
carols for the residents of a local nursing home; currently, Evelyn and
a friend are arranging a special dinner for the families who are staying
at the Ronald McDonald House; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her charity work, Evelyn Rituno will
continue to enter various pageants, and intends to run for the state
title and return to the nationals next year; and

WHEREAS, Young women from across our great Nation from diverse
cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds aspire to such lofty goals, the

pursuit of which molds and transforms these young women in an exemplary
manner; and

WHEREAS, Evelyn Rituno exemplifies the potential inherent in our
young women; she is an outstanding role model for her peers and for the
young people with whom she works and stands with poise and purpose to
face the challenges of new experiences; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Evelyn Rituno upon the occasion of being crowned Mini Miss
Spirit USA 2018, with the anticipation of her continued exemplary
representation of the people of this great Empire State; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Evelyn Rituno.