LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Sriram Hathwar upon the occasion
of being crowned Co-Champion of the 2014 Scripps National Spelling Bee
Championship on May 29, 2014

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend and pay
tribute to those young people who, by achieving outstanding success in
educational competition, have inspired and brought pride to our majestic
Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Sriram Hathwar upon the occasion of being named Co-Champion of the
2014 Scripps National Spelling Bee Championship on Thursday, May 29,
2014, in National Harbor, Maryland; and
WHEREAS, Sriram Hathwar, a 14-year-old from Painted Post, New York, is
an eighth grade student at the Alternative School for Math and Science
in Corning, New York; sponsored by the Corning Rotary Club, he is the
son of Jagadeesh and Roopa Hathwar; and
WHEREAS, This year was Sriram Hathwar's fifth trip to the Scripps
National Spelling Bee and he was favored to win; he is the first Spell-
ing Bee Champion from Upstate New York since 1976; and
WHEREAS, The 2014 Scripps National Spelling Bee was broadcast nation-
wide on ESPN, and welcomed 281 spellers from around the world; the spel-
lers ranged in age from 8-14 years old, and were all vying for the
esteemed title of champion; and
WHEREAS, This astute young scholar assured himself at least a second-
place finish by correctly spelling "characin," a family of small bright-
ly colored fish; and
WHEREAS, Sriram Hathwar forged ahead with a correct spelling of "skan-
dhas" followed by "feijoada"; with only four words remaining, he
correctly spelled "stichomythia" assuring himself at least a co-cham-
pionship; the two students were declared co-champions after Bee offi-
cials ran out of words to keep the duel going; and
WHEREAS, Sriram Hathwar, in achieving this high honor, may take just
pride in the inspiration and contribution to the spirit of excellence he
brings to his family, friends, school and region; and
WHEREAS, Educational competitions which serve to better prepare our
students for their future participation in the marketplace of ideas are
worthy of praise and support; and
WHEREAS, Poised with enthusiasm and determined purpose, this scholar
now stands honorably, in eager anticipation of future challenges, under-
standing and appreciating the caring counsel and support provided by his
teachers and parents; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Sriram Hathwar upon the occasion of being crowned Co-Cham-
pion of the 2014 Scripps National Spelling Bee Championship on May 29,
2014; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Sriram Hathwar.