Thank you Council Member Keith Powers; Speaker for the Entire Council Corey Johnson; Margaret S. Chin, Co-Chair, Women's Caucus, Council Member, 1st District; Carlina Rivera, Co-Chair, Woman's Caucus, Council Member, 2nd District; Laurie A. Cumbo, Majority Leader, New York City Council; Karen Koslowitz, Council Member, 29th District Queens; Helen Rosenthal, Council Member, 6th District, Manhattan; and, Venessa L. Gibson, Council Member, 16th District Bronx. PROCLAMATION - CITY OF NEW YORK The Council of the City of New York is proud to recognize Sydney Ireland as an outstanding member of the Boy Scouts of America organization; and WHEREAS: Boy Scouts are special individuals who make a significant difference in the world. While they come from all backgrounds, all members of noted for their vision, integrity, commitment and an unyielding conviction to improve the lives of others. Sydney is such an individual; and WHEREAS: Sydney is a passionate, engaged 16-year-old and a longtime participant in the Boy Scouts of America. For the past four years, she has publicly advocated for girls to be admitted as full members of the organization, including gaining support from well-known women organizations like the National Organization for Women (NOW). Sydney has achieved significant accomplishments as a Scout for 10 years in Troop 414, including 15 merit badges and the rank of Star Scout; and WHEREAS: Sydney seeks the same recognition for completing the same activities as her male peers. She has demonstrated tremendous civic leadership in fighting for gender equality in the Boy Scouts of American and is an inspiring role model for young women everywhere. Her bravery and commitment to the ideals of scouting should be rewarded by admitting her and other girls into the organization as soon as possible; and WHEREAS: We honor Sydney’s commitment to Scouting, and betterment of New York City granting her an official membership into the Boy Scouts, as a member of Troop 414 for 13 years, earning badges for serving her community, learning to lead, and building skills for life; and WHEREAS: Sydney has provided an important national voice for girls’ entry into the BSA program; she earned the highest rank in Scouts Canada, the Chief Scout’s Award, and is now working toward the Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank, Eagle Scout. Sydney’s membership as a Boy Scout and the work she has completed thus far should be immediately distinguished at the national level; and WHEREAS: Sydney has truly distinguished herself as a trailblazing leader and champion for other young women, and she is worthy of the esteem of all New Yorkers and the Boy Scouts of America; now, therefore BE IT KNOWN: That the Council of the City of New York is very proud to honor Sydney Ireland for her outstanding service and we wish her continued success in her quest for official Scout status.