Bill Text: NY J00457 | 2023-2024 | General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Honoring Earl Whitfield upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the PASEsetter Award by the Partnership for After School Education

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2023-02-28 - ADOPTED [J00457 Detail]

Download: New_York-2023-J00457-Introduced.html

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Senate Resolution No. 457

BY: Senator PARKER

        HONORING  Earl  Whitfield upon the occasion of his
        designation as recipient of the PASEsetter Award  by
        the   Partnership  for  After  School  Education  on
        February 28, 2023

  WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the  communities  across  New  York
State  are  reflective  of  the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the  community
and its citizenry; and

  WHEREAS,  Attendant  to  such  concern,  and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Earl Whitfield upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of  the
PASEsetter  Award  by  the Partnership for After School Education at its
30th Anniversary PASEsetter Awards  Benefit  on  Tuesday,  February  28,
2023, at Cipriani, New York, New York; and

  WHEREAS,  Earl Whitfield is receiving this prestigious award for his
role as an afterschool educator whose commitment, energy and  creativity
has  had an indelible impact on the children and youth of New York City;
and

  WHEREAS, PASE is a  child-focused  organization  that  promotes  and
supports  quality afterschool programs, particularly those serving young
people from underserved communities; Earl  Whitfield  truly  exemplifies
this vital organization's mission of delivering consistent, high-quality
programming  to  youth and increases their capacity to meet the needs of
their communities; and

  WHEREAS, Born and raised in Queens, New  York,  Earl  Whitfield  was
inspired  by the educators and coaches he met in afterschool programs to
be the very best he could be; in 2006, he decided to pay it forward  and
took  a  job as a summer camp counselor at the Antioch Baptist Church of
Corona; and

  WHEREAS, After furthering his musical education at  Berklee  College
of  Music, Earl Whitfield returned to youth development, and served as a
choir director and vocal coach for young musicians across New York City;
and

  WHEREAS, In 2012, Earl Whitfield was hired by  CAMBA  as  a  theater
arts  and  voice  instructor at their East New York Beacon Program; five
years later, he was promoted to the title of Program  Director,  and  in
this  capacity,  serves  over  1,200  residents  of  East  New  York and
surrounding communities every year; and

  WHEREAS, Earl Whitfield has partnered with the Van Siclen  Community
School  to  build a state-of-the-art music studio on site at Beacon 166,
obtained an annual grant from ConEdison to  put  towards  enhancing  the
STEM  programming  available  for participants, and partnered with Ariva
Tax Services to provide free tax preparation for community members; and

  WHEREAS, In  addition,  Earl  Whitfield  has  been  instrumental  in
expanding  athletic  offerings  at  Beacon  166,  exposing  kids to swim
lessons, kayaking, hiking trips, and dance  programming,  and  partnered
with  the  New Amsterdam Fencing Academy to establish an on-site fencing
program for his students; and

  WHEREAS,   During  the  COVID-19  pandemic,  Earl  Whitfield  helped
organize  a  virtual  mentoring  series  to  keep  participants  engaged
remotely; and

  WHEREAS,  Earl Whitfield has truly made a difference in the lives of
thousands of New Yorkers through his dedicated mentorship, kindness  and
compassion;  many  of his former students have entered youth development
spaces professionally, following in his footsteps and looking to him for
guidance and inspiration; 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 the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Earl Whitfield upon the occasion of his designation  as  recipient
of  the  PASEsetter Award by the Partnership for After School Education;
and be it further

  RESOLVED, That a copy of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted to Earl Whitfield.