Senate Resolution No. 941
BY: Senator SAVINO
HONORING John and Maria Clark upon the occasion of
their designation for special recognition by the New
York State Police Benevolent Association on June 3,
2021
WHEREAS, The unity of our State and Nation is built upon the
compassion of individuals, such as John and Maria Clark who uphold the
values of community life and who, through their great actions, epitomize
the best of humanity; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor John and
Maria Clark upon the occasion of their designation for special
recognition by the New York State Police Benevolent Association at its
10th Annual Signal 30 Awards Dinner on June 3, 2021, at Spark's Steak
House, New York City; and
WHEREAS, This amazing couple is being recognized in conjunction with
the observance of Foster Care Month in the State of New York, for their
ceaseless dedication and commitment as foster parents, promoting
opportunities and greatly contributing to lifting the quality of life of
the children within their care; and
WHEREAS, United in marriage on August 3, 2013, John and Maria Clark
continue to show great strength and selflessness, spending countless
hours offering their love, support and guidance to the children in their
lives, acting as role models and inspiring them to develop to their
fullest potential; and
WHEREAS, Maria, who is a mental health care worker for the Erie
County Mental Health Department, and John, who has served as a New York
State Trooper for 23 years, share a strong passion for a big family; and
WHEREAS, With a deep family history in adoption, Maria Clarks'
maternal grandmother aged out of the foster care system, and her father
was adopted from Germany; Maria herself was adopted from Colombia, South
America, and of her three siblings, one was biological to her adoptive
parents, Sean and Annette Greene, and two were adopted from Colombia;
furthermore, John Clark grew up in a large family with seven siblings;
and
WHEREAS, Foster care and adoption has been a part of the fiber of
this wonderful family since they initiated the certification process in
February of 2017; by February of 2018, the couple received their first
placement, Aurora, who they have since officially adopted, along with
Laila, in the Nation's first virtual adoption before the courts in May
of 2020; and
WHEREAS, Today, John and Maria Clark are the proud parents of Nathan
25, Braydon 16, Tyler 13, Griffin 9, Laila 4, and Aurora 3; they are
also currently fostering little girls, ages two and three; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which John and Maria Clark have
displayed throughout their lives; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor John and Maria Clark upon the occasion of their designation for
special recognition by the New York State Police Benevolent Association;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to John and Maria Clark.
