Assembly Resolution No. 788
BY: M. of A. Palmesano
COMMENDING Victoria Holmes upon the occasion of
her designation as a Distinguished Finalist in the
25th 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
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 Victoria Holmes upon the occasion of her designation as a
Distinguished Finalist in the 25th Annual Prudential Spirit of Community
Awards program; and
WHEREAS, Victoria Holmes 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, Victoria Holmes, a resident of Corning, New York, and an
eighth-grader at The Alternative School for Math and Science, has
achieved national recognition for exemplary volunteer service by
receiving a 2020 Prudential Spirit of Community Award; and
WHEREAS, This prestigious award honors young volunteers across
America who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to their
communities; and
WHEREAS, Upon learning her mother had leukemia, Victoria Holmes and
her siblings had to move hundreds of miles away to live with relatives
for months at a time; and
WHEREAS, Missing her mother terribly one night, Victoria Holmes
awoke to her aunt coming into the room and wrapping her in a blanket to
comfort her; she never forgot this significant moment, the blanket
represented the love of her family; and
WHEREAS, Years later, Victoria Holmes decided to help improve the
lives of families who have experienced a life altering event; she wanted
to give others in similar situations the same kind of comfort by making
blankets for them; and
WHEREAS, Victoria Holmes's efforts included spreading awareness of
her project, collaborating with community partners and sorting
donations; and
WHEREAS, It is this accomplished young woman's goal to provide two
blankets per family, one for a child and one for the parents, so they
can snuggle the same blanket while they are apart; 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 Victoria Holmes, who
use their considerable talents and resources to serve others; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor Victoria Holmes,
commending her for her outstanding record of volunteer service, peer
leadership, and community service, 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 Victoria Holmes for her achievements,
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 Victoria Holmes.
