LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending McKenna Heffner, of Corning, New York,
upon the occasion of her designation as a Distinguished Finalist in the
16th 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, McKenna Heffner 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, McKenna Heffner, age 14, of Corning, New York, and a freshman
at Corning Painted Post East High School, has achieved national recogni-
tion for exemplary volunteer service by being named a 2011 Prudential
Spirit of Community Distinguished Finalist; 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, As a Distinguished Finalist, McKenna Heffner will receive an
engraved bronze medallion; and
WHEREAS, McKenna Heffner is a Girl Scout with the Girl Scouts of
NYPENN Pathways in Cicero; she has raised nearly $14,000 in cash and
in-kind gifts to support wishes for 15 terminally ill children through
the Make-A-Wish Foundation; and
WHEREAS, To raise the funds, McKenna hosted a kids' talent showcase
and silent auction, solicited donations and in-kind gifts from individ-
uals and businesses, and created a website to collect additional
donations; and
WHEREAS, The success of the State of New York, the strength of our
communities, and the vitality of American society depend, in great meas-
ure, upon the dedication of young people like McKenna Heffner, who use
their considerable talents and resources to serve others; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor McKenna Heffner,
commending her for her outstanding record of volunteer service, peer
leadership, and community service and 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 McKenna Heffner for her achievements and to
extend to her the best wishes of this Legislative Body for a future of
purposeful success and well-being, fully confident of her response to
the challenges of a promising future and appreciative of the model she
represents for all young people of the Empire State; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to McKenna Heffner.