Assembly Resolution No. 142

BY: M. of A. Thiele

COMMENDING Ariana Demattei upon the occasion of
her designation as the High School State Honoree in
the 22nd Annual Prudential Spirit of Community
Awards program

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to act, in accord
with its long-standing traditions, honoring the youth of today, and the
leaders of tomorrow, whose character and achievements exemplify the
ideals and values cherished by this great State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Ariana Demattei has distinguished herself as a young woman
of superlative ability, establishing a high standard of community
service, purposefulness of life, and sense of responsibility rarely
achieved in youthful years; and

WHEREAS, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, created in 1995
by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of
Secondary School Principals (NASSP), are designed to emphasize the
importance our Nation places on service to others, and to encourage all
young Americans to contribute to their communities; and

WHEREAS, Ariana Demattei, an esteemed resident of Center Moriches,
New York, and a junior at Westhampton Beach High School, has achieved
national recognition for exemplary volunteer service by receiving a 2017
Prudential Spirit of Community Award; and

WHEREAS, This prestigious award honors young volunteers across
America who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to their
communities; and

WHEREAS, Ariana Demattei received this auspicious award by raising
significant funds to provide more than 1,000 new backpacks filled with
school supplies for local elementary students through an organization
she founded in 2012 called Backpacks for Fellow Students; and

WHEREAS, To fund this remarkable program, Ariana Demattei organized
numerous fundraising events, including a polar bear plunge, races, movie
nights, bake sales and an annual appeal; she publicizes these events by
writing press releases, arranging media interviews and using social
media; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Ariana Demattei has written numerous appeal
letters, applies for grants, solicits sponsors, recruits volunteers, and
orders supplies as well as packs and distributes the backpacks to
students whose family incomes qualify them to receive free or
reduced-priced lunches; and

WHEREAS, Ariana Demattei hopes that Backpacks for Fellow Students
will create a level playing field in the classroom for students, no
matter their socioeconomic status, and give every child the opportunity
for educational success; and

WHEREAS, The success of the State of New York, the strength of our
communities, and the vitality of American society depend, in great
measure, upon the dedication of young people like Ariana Demattei, who
use their considerable talents and resources to serve others; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor Ariana Demattei,
commending her for her outstanding record of volunteer service and peer
leadership, recognizing the value of her labors and the promise of her
future; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations,
with praise and pride, to commend Ariana Demattei upon the occasion of
her designation as the High School State Honoree in the 22nd Annual
Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program and to extend to her the
best wishes of this Legislative Body for a future of purposeful success
and well-being; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Ariana Demattei.