Senators Pappageorge, Van Woerkom, Jansen, Garcia, Birkholz, Kahn and Allen offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 54.

            A resolution honoring Michael Silver.

            Whereas, Michael Silver has been a long time friend to the Michigan Department of Transportation, Michigan Aeronautics Commission, department staff, and customers. His volunteer contributions have been of immeasurable value to the department and commission; and

            Whereas, Michael Silver has dedicated himself to elevating the awareness of aviation and aerospace among students, teachers, and community members by acting as a liaison between schools, units of government, corporations, and other organizations. He has tirelessly supported numerous schools and other groups with their planning of aviation and space education projects; and

            Whereas, In 1997, Michael Silver was the recipient of the Michigan Aeronautics Commission’s Award of Excellence. The award is bestowed each year upon an individual whose deeds have led to significant contributions to aviation in Michigan; and

            Whereas, For the past fourteen years, Michael Silver has acted as the volunteer resource coordinator to the annual Aviation/Aerospace Teacher Workshop hosted each year by the Michigan Department of Transportation. As result of his extraordinary efforts, teachers in Michigan have been given the knowledge and tools to use aviation and aerospace concepts in their classrooms as a means to motivate students; and

            Whereas, His many endeavors have enriched the education of a generation of teachers and students from across Michigan. Additionally, these endeavors have directly supported the Michigan Aeronautics Commission’s goal of fostering and promoting aviation; and

            Whereas, Michael Silver retired from employment with the state of Michigan on October 31, 2006; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That on behalf of the citizens of Michigan, we hereby offer our most sincere and profound thanks to Michael Silver for his years of volunteer service in support of aviation education in Michigan. We join members of the Michigan Aeronautics Commission and Michigan Department of Transportation staff in wishing Michael and his wife Bari a happy, healthy, and productive retirement; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to Michael Silver with our highest esteem.