Senate Resolution No. 1132

BY: Senator MARTINS

CONGRATULATING the Great Neck South High School
Rebels Robotics Team upon the occasion of winning
the Inspiration Award in the fourth annual Optimum
Innovator Awards

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend and pay
tribute to those who, by achieving outstanding success in their
educational endeavors and competitions, have inspired and brought pride
to our majestic Empire State; and

WHEREAS, It is also the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
the dedication and commitment of our young people who distinguish
themselves through excellence in scholastic competition; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate the Great Neck South High School Rebels Robotics Team upon
the occasion of winning the Inspiration Award in the fourth annual
Optimum Innovator Awards; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion will be celebrated at an Awards
Ceremony on Monday, June 12, 2023, at Great Neck South High School; and

WHEREAS, Optimum is committed to inspiring the next generation of
innovators through its partnership with FIRST Robotics to cultivate STEM
skills and encourage an interest in technology fields by supporting
local teams, regional events, and more; and

WHEREAS, The Rebels won the Inspiration Award for their proven
record of inspiring STEM education to others everywhere by holding
virtual Java and CAD courses for students across the globe; in addition,
the team developed their own gender-equity initiative, She Has
Empowerment (SHE), and works with a local non-profit to create STEM
learning opportunities to hospitalized youth with grave illnesses; and

WHEREAS, Robotics classes teach students various skills such as
critical thinking, collaboration, communication, leadership and
ownership, all of which have led the Great Neck South High School
Robotics Team to a high level of success; and

WHEREAS, Lead mentor and founder of Great Neck's robotics team, John
Motchkavitz has done a superb job in guiding, molding and inspiring the
team members toward their goals; and

WHEREAS, The members of the Great Neck South High School Robotics
Team are loyally and enthusiastically supported by their school, family,
friends and the community at large; and

WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose,
these students now stand honorably, with just pride in their
accomplishments and in eager anticipation of future challenges,
understanding and appreciating the caring counsel and support provided
by their teachers, coaches and parents; now, therefore, be it


RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the Great Neck South High School Robotics Team upon the
occasion of winning the Inspiration Award in the fourth annual Optimum
Innovator Awards; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the members of the Great Neck South High School Rebels
Robotics Team: Sophia Gal, Dana Kagan, Andrew Kern, Gabriela Lopez,
Mohanna Kumanan, Nicholas Pfeiffer, Carter Shea, Mayu Tatsumi, Vincent
Wang, Kevin Wang, Wendy Wang, Eric Yachbes, and Ishaan Zaveri; and
Mentor/Founder, John Motchkavitz.