Senate Resolution No. 1388

BY: Senator O'MARA

CONGRATULATING Mackenzie LaForest upon the
occasion of capturing the 235-pound Division
wrestling title at the first ever NYSPHSAA Girls
State Wrestling Invitational on January 27, 2023

WHEREAS, Individual and team championships are highly sought after
in high school sports; this Legislative Body commends rare athletic
achievements and pays special recognition to those who pursue such
excellence and become examples for the youth of this great Empire State;
and

WHEREAS, Athletic competition helps to enhance both the moral and
physical development of young athletes, preparing them for the future by
instilling in them the importance of teamwork, encouraging a standard of
healthy living, and developing a sense of fair play and competition; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate
Mackenzie LaForest, a member of the Waverly Wolverines Girl's Wrestling
team, upon the occasion of capturing the 235-pound Division wrestling
title at the first ever NYSPHSAA Girls State Wrestling Invitational on
Friday, January 27, 2023, at the SRC Arena and Events Center in
Syracuse, New York; and

WHEREAS, In front of a capacity crowd and a fan base of family,
friends and teammates, Mackenzie LaForest scored a 12-4 major decision,
and fall to earn a trip to the semifinals, where she scored a 2-0 win
over her opponent from Chautauqua Lake High School; in the finals, she
scored a second period fall over the second seed from Valley Stream
North High School to earn the 235-pound title; and

WHEREAS, A standout wrestler for the Waverly Wolverines, Mackenzie
LaForest was named The Sports Reports / Ziff Law Firm Regional Athlete
of the Week for the week ending on January 28, 2023, won the Southern
Tier Memorial and the Oneonta Tournament this season, was a Section IV
runner-up, and was selected to the All-Region Girls Wrestling First
Team; and

WHEREAS, Mackenzie LaForest has clearly utilized dedication,
determination and teamwork in providing a lasting contribution to the
spirit of excellence which is a tradition of her school; now, therefore,
be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Mackenzie LaForest upon the occasion of capturing the
235-pound Division wrestling title at the first ever NYSPHSAA Girls
State Wrestling Invitational on January 27, 2023; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Mackenzie LaForest.