Seward and State Pay Tribute to Oneonta Student

ONEONTA, 03/23/09 - State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today presented Oneonta Middle School student Charlotte McKane with a legislative resolution honoring her as a recipient of the 2009 Prudential Spirit of Community Award.

“Charlotte McKane is well known locally for her work raising funds to support programs like Catholic Charities, Opportunities for Otsego’s Violence Intervention Program, and the Family Service Association, I am proud to see her receiving state-wide and national recognition as well,” said Seward. “Charlotte is a true asset to society, and is always trying to do more for her community.”

McKane is one of two New York youth volunteers to receive the 14th annual Prudential Spirit of Community Award. Nearly 20,000 young people from across the country were considered for state-level recognition. As a state honoree, Charlotte will receive a $1,000 award and a trip to Washington, D.C., May 2-5 for a series of national recognition events. During the events in Washington, ten national honorees will be announced, each receiving an additional $5,000 award and a $5,000 grant for the charitable organizations of their choice.

“We will all be rooting for Charlotte when she makes her trip to Washington in May. Her work is certainly deserving of national distinction, and I know she will be a great ambassador for Oneonta and New York state,” concluded Seward.

Senate resolution 399 was sponsored by Senator Seward and adopted on February 24, 2009. Assemblyman Bill Magee sponsored the same resolution, assembly resolution 159, which was adopted on February 23, 2009.