LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Alexia Mate upon the occasion of
her designation as recipient of the 2013 Robert E. McGuire Music Award
by the Manhasset Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 5063

WHEREAS, The arts, in whatever form depicted, are central to human
expression; they are truly a universal language and their contribution
to the development of friendship and understanding among all peoples
cannot be underestimated; and
WHEREAS, Each young musician in our schools is deserving of his or her
own recognition and spotlight, for their remarkable commitment and hours
of practice in perfecting their musical abilities; one such musician is
Alexia Mate; and
WHEREAS, Alexia Mate, a senior at Manhasset High School, through her
hard work and talents is the recipient of the 2013 Robert E. McGuire
Music Award by the Manhasset Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 5063; and
WHEREAS, Alexia Mate began her violin studies at the age of three at
The Suzuki Program, where she has performed as concertmaster for the New
York Young Musicians Ensemble under the direction of Nicole DiCecco; she
has also performed All-County for voice and violin, All-State, and has
served as concertmaster for the Long Island String Festival Association;
and
WHEREAS, At the New York Summer Festival, Alexia Mate participated in
master classes with renowned conductor and violinist Joseph Silverstein;
she performed admirably as concertmaster at the festival and also in her
high school's chamber music orchestra; and
WHEREAS, Taking voice lessons since the age of eight, Alexia Mate has
many great achievements in singing to her credit as well; before winning
the auspicious Robert E. McGuire Award, she was chosen by world renowned
tenor Jon West to be his private student; they have since performed
together at concerts and churches; and
WHEREAS, Alexia Mate was a soloist at the Manhattan School of Music
and sang in the lead role of the musical, LEGALLY BLONDE; she has also
been hired by Charles Schneider, founder of the prestigious Glimmerglass
Opera House, to perform a solo with his orchestra; and
WHEREAS, The late Robert E. McGuire was a community leader and senior
vice commander of the Manhasset VFW Post 5063; he was well known for
leading the singing of the National Anthem at services following Memori-
al Day parades; and
WHEREAS, His spirit undoubtedly lives on through this award given to
this most talented young woman; and
WHEREAS, Alexia Mate is a credit to her family, school, community, and
her State and Nation, and it is certain that her future will be filled
with accomplishments of equal importance; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Alexia Mate upon the occasion of her designation as recipi-
ent of the 2013 Robert E. McGuire Music Award by the Manhasset Veterans
of Foreign Wars, Post 5063; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Alexia Mate.