HJR 396

HJR396 193088-2 By Representative Mooney RFD: Rules First Read: 13-MAR-18 HJR396 ENROLLED, House Joint Resolution, RECOGNIZING ANDREW T. WALKER ON HIS SELECTION AS A 2018 YOUNG HERO OF ALABAMA. WHEREAS, highest commendations and congratulations are herein proudly presented to Andrew T. Walker on his outstanding achievement of being selected as a 2018 Young Hero of Alabama; and WHEREAS, the Young Heroes Program, presented by Alabama Public Television, recognizes students in grades 9-12 who have excelled in academics, given of themselves through public service, overcome adversity, or inspired others through deeds and strength of character; and WHEREAS, Andrew is an accomplished senior at Florence High School in Florence, Alabama, where he is a member of the Technology Student Association; he has received a judge's award and placed 2nd in 2013 and 6th in 2014 in the state Vex Robotics competition; and in 2018, he placed 12th in the Best Robotics Competition; and WHEREAS, since the age of 7, Andrew has maintained his goal to be an electrical engineer and toward this goal he works in the 12 for Life program, a cooperative education program supported by Southwire Company; 12 for Life helps students gain extra motivation to finish 12 years of school HJR396 and to enjoy better lives; 2018 marks Andrew's 2nd year working with the program and money made from his job is saved in hopes of attending college; and WHEREAS, Andrew is very active in his community, volunteering at the Kiwanis Pancake Day, the local Ups and Downs thrift store, and assisting with his school's supply drive; he enjoys making new projects, discovering what makes things work, and mastering how to replicate them himself; and WHEREAS, unknown to many around Andrew are the struggles he has had to overcome to achieve his many accomplishments; he has undergone many surgeries relating to the functioning of his kidneys and he continues to face daily challenges with Tourette Syndrome, a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, stereotyped, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics; because of his condition, Andrew has become an advocate for people suffering from Tourette Syndrome; and WHEREAS, Andrew is active with the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity service organization and attends workshops every other Sunday; and WHEREAS, those who know Andrew see him as an inspiration for facing his obstacles, dismantling them, figuring them out, and reconfiguring them for success; he is admired for his perseverance and ingenuity in the face of adversity; and HJR396 WHEREAS, a worthy role model for countless young Alabamians, Andrew espouses the meritorious characteristics of the Young Heroes Program, and he is truly deserving of special commendation and praise; now therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH HOUSES THEREOF CONCURRING, That Andrew T. Walker is honored and commended, and this resolution is offered to him in highest tribute and with heartiest congratulations, as well as with sincere best wishes for continued success in all future endeavors. HJR396 Speaker of the House of Representatives President and Presiding Officer of the Senate House of Representatives I hereby certify that the within Act originated in and was adopted by the House 20-MAR-18. Jeff Woodard Clerk Senate 21-MAR-18 Adopted