SLS 10RS-2334 ORIGINAL Page 1 of 3 Regular Session, 2010 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 65 BY SENATOR CHEEK COMMENDATIONS. Commends Antonio Rivera on being recognized as one of Louisiana's Young Heroes. A RESOLUTION1 To commend and congratulate Antonio Rivera on being recognized as one of Louisiana's2 2010 Young Heroes.3 WHEREAS, it is with great pride that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana has4 learned of the honor bestowed upon Antonio Rivera, as a recipient of the 2010 Louisiana5 Young Heroes Award; and6 WHEREAS, the Louisiana Young Heroes awards are given each year to students in7 grades four through twelve who have excelled in academics and public service while8 overcoming adversity in their own lives, and who serve as an inspiration to others through9 their actions and strength of character; and10 WHEREAS, these awards are presented by Louisiana Public Broadcasting and the11 Rotary Club of Baton Rouge and underwritten by Books-a-Million and Chase; and12 WHEREAS, Antonio Rivera is an outstanding sixteen year old student with a 4.813 grade point average who attends Evangel Christian Academy where he is a member of the14 National Honor Society; and15 WHEREAS, Antonio Rivera's parents died of tragic circumstances when he was very16 young, and despite his age, he became the primary care giver for his ailing grandmother who17 died when he was only eleven years old; and18 SR NO. 65 SLS 10RS-2334 ORIGINAL Page 2 of 3 WHEREAS, shortly after his grandmother's death, Antonio moved to New York to1 live with his sister, however, they both unfortunately ended up living homeless on the streets2 of the city; and3 WHEREAS, through Metro Ministries, Antonio returned to Louisiana to live with4 the Harrelson family, where he continues to blossom and thrive; and5 WHEREAS, Antonio is active in his church, and volunteers with a number of groups6 that help provide Christmas gifts for the underprivileged, sends care packages to soldiers7 overseas, visits nursing homes and works with the Special Olympics; and8 WHEREAS, Antonio's success story is that of a very special person who has strived9 to overcome numerous obstacles and hardship in his young life to become a strong,10 determined, kind, and generous individual who gives back to his community at every11 opportunity; and12 WHEREAS, Antonio is deserving of this prestigious recognition and should be13 forever proud of his extraordinary accomplishments in the face of tremendous adversity and14 of the hope and inspiration he has brought to the lives of his classmates, teachers, friends,15 and adopted family, and he has earned the enduring appreciation and respect of the members16 of the Senate on behalf of every citizen of the state of Louisiana; and17 WHEREAS, the success of the state of Louisiana, the strength of our communities,18 and the overall vitality of American society depend, in great measure, upon young people19 like Antonio Rivera, who, even when faced with adversity, continuously strives to make the20 world a better place.21 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana22 hereby commends Antonio Rivera, a 2010 recipient of the Louisiana Young Heroes award,23 and expresses gratitude for the extraordinary service he provides in his community and the24 contributions he makes to the state of Louisiana, and honors the bravery, courage, and25 determination he has shown with his extraordinary accomplishments.26 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be presented to27 Antonio Rivera, a 2010 recipient of the Louisiana Young Heroes Award.28 SR NO. 65 SLS 10RS-2334 ORIGINAL Page 3 of 3 The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Tammy Crain Waldrop. DIGEST Cheek SR No. Commends Antonio Rivera on being recognized as one of Louisiana's 2010 Young Heroes.