LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Kimberly Te and Christine Yoo upon the
occasion of capturing the grand prize in the prestigious 2015 Siemens
Competition in Math, Science and Technology

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to the youth of today, and leaders of tomorrow, whose character
and achievements best exemplify the ideals and values cherished by this
great State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Kimberly Te and Christine Yoo upon the occasion of capturing the grand
prize in the prestigious 2015 Siemens Competition in Math, Science and
Technology; and
WHEREAS, Seniors at Manhasset High School in Manhasset, New York,
Kimberly Te and Christine Yoo bested the nation's most talented high
school students to claim the grand prize; they were one of six, two or
three member teams, in the national finals held on December 8, 2015, at
George Washington University in Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS, These two exceptional scholars will share a scholarship for
their research project which created an energy producing device that can
use naturally occurring bacteria, such as those found in mud and waste
water, to clean up oil spills; the device is cheap and efficient and has
a patent pending; and
WHEREAS, One competition judge, John Regan, a civil and environmental
engineering professor at Pennsylvania State University, noted that
Kimberly and Christine's research project was emblematic of the true
spirit and joy of science; they tackled a challenging subject by taking
a common material many of us see and use at home every day and incorpo-
rated a fresh, innovative approach to its functionality; and
WHEREAS, In addition, their outstanding research project resulted in
an unexpected application, for use in environmental cleanup, that not
only is more cost-effective than what is currently being used today, but
allows a higher power density; and
WHEREAS, Kimberly Te and Christine Yoo were also noted by competition
judges for their distinctive and impressive level of independent work,
creativity and passion required to initiate this type of research
project; and
WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose,
Kimberly Te and Christine Yoo 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, mentors, and parents; and
WHEREAS, Young women of singular distinction and superlative ability,
Kimberly Te and Christine Yoo represent the best development of the
potential which is inherent in our most precious resource, our youth;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when young
people of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Kimberly Te and Christine Yoo upon the occasion of capturing the
grand prize at the 2015 Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Tech-
nology, and to wish them success in all of their future endeavors; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Kimberly Te and Christine Yoo.