Assemblywoman Nolan was first elected to the Assembly in 1984. She represents the 37th Assembly District in Queens County. Ms. Nolan graduated from New York University cum laude with a B.A. degree in Political Science. She has chaired the Assembly's Committee on Education since 2006. During that time she has spearheaded efforts to achieve class size reduction, universal pre-k, middle school initiatives, improve high school graduation rates and other measures that will ultimately mean success for the more than three million school children in New York State. As a parent of a public school student, Assemblywoman Nolan brings a parent's perspective to ongoing education debates. Ms. Nolan has been a longtime advocate of health and physical education programs. There are currently three active bills she has sponsored all of which support our disciplines. In January of 2008, Ms. Nolan held a hearing to explore physical education compliance in New York State public schools. She said, "We know physical activity improves academic performance by contributing to overall health and by teaching children valuable concepts like teamwork and problem solving. She also said, "Our goal is to ensure that every student in New York State receives time and instruction in physical education as is their right." From this initiative came the NYS comptroller's audits, which in turn did advance the cause of physical education compliance. One of Ms. Nolan's current bills calls for the NYS Commissioner of Education to monitor Compliance with the current physical education regulations. We are grateful Assemblywoman Nolan for your dedication to the health and wellbeing of the children of New York State. President James, It is my honor to present to you the recipient of the Bernard E. Hughes Award Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan.

Black River Outdoor Education Program, formerly Potato Hill Farm is dedicated to establishing awareness, understanding and appreciation of the environment, the responsibilities associated with preserving the environment and providing an opportunity to increase the physical health of visiting students by engaging them in various outdoor activities. Located in the foothills of the Adirondacks, Black River Outdoor Education Program is funded by a private family trust as a "gift to the children of Central New York." The program began in 2008 with 2,800 students participating and has grown to over 15,000 visitors each school year. The mission of the program is to reconnect children to nature in a peaceful picturesque and educational environment. It is a dream come true adventure that is available to school children in seven counties surrounding the village of Boonville. Not only are all the activities free, but transportation costs, covering fuel and bus driver wages, are also included, so every child has the opportunity to enjoy the experience. Activities offered include mountain biking, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, nature hikes and horse drawn carriage or sleigh rides. The long range goal of the program is to offer students a new educationally layered experience each time they return to the program utilizing the seven campuses, each with unique seasonal activities. Elaine Hage, Program Director says, "it is our hope that each child will be inspired and interested in nature as a lifelong learner, and that a respect for the environment and the animals inhabiting our world will continue to grow." President Quitoni, it is my honor to present to you the recipient of the 2012 Bernard E. Hughes Award, Black River Outdoor Education Program being accepted by Elaine Hage, Program Director.