Commonwealth of Massachusetts
A Proclamation
His Excellency Governor Deval L. Patrick
Whereas The period of early adolescence, 10 to 15 years of age, is a distinct, developmental period between childhood and full adolescence; and
Whereas This period has been little understood; and
Whereas Youth between the ages of approximately 10 and 15 undergo more extensive physical, mental, social, moral and emotional changes, with the possible exception of infancy, than at any other time of life; and
Whereas The attitudes and values young adolescents develop during these formative years largely determine their later behavior; and
Whereas Parents continue as primary models and guides, even as young adolescents give increased attention to peer groups; and
Whereas Much valuable information and research about this important age group now exists and should be circulated,
Now, Therefore, I, Deval L. Patrick, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim October 2011 to be,
Month of the Young Adolescent
And urge all the citizens of the Commonwealth to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance.
Given at the Executive Chamber in Boston, this nineteenth day of October, in the year two thousand and eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
By His Excellency
Deval L. Patrick
Governor of the Commonwealth
William Francis Galvin
Secretary of the Commonwealth
God Save the Commonwealth of Massachusetts