Senate Resolution No. 2359

BY: Senator BONACIC

congratulating Erin Clifford upon the occasion
of capturing the New York State Diving Championship
on November 19, 2016

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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Erin Clifford upon the occasion of capturing the New York
State Diving Championship on Saturday, November 19, 2016, at the
Aquatics Pavilion at Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York; and

WHEREAS, During the New York State Diving Championship, Erin
Clifford's 11-dive score of 526.20 points beat Alexandra House from
Newark High School by a margin of 6.45 points; and

WHEREAS, A senior at Minisink Valley High School, Erin Clifford has
signed a National Letter of Intent to dive for the University of
Connecticut Huskies beginning in the 2017-2018 season; and

WHEREAS, The Captain of her swim and dive team, Erin Clifford has
set a new Section 9 record with 11 dives, shattered multiple meet and
pool records, and currently holds every Minisink Valley school record
for varsity diving; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Erin Clifford is a two-time Section 9
Champion, and a two-time place finisher in the top five at the New York
State Diving Championships; she was also named a 2015 NISCA/Speedo Girls
One Meter Diving All-American; and

WHEREAS, Erin Clifford not only excels at diving, she is an
outstanding student with a GPA of over 100; and

WHEREAS, In sports such as diving, which demands athletic prowess,
speed and agility, Coach Gillian Sutera and her skilled coaching staff
worked hard to hone the skills of this champion, teaching this
outstanding athlete lessons which will prove invaluable both in and out
of the pool; and

WHEREAS, Erin Clifford has clearly utilized dedication and
determination 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 Erin Clifford upon the occasion of capturing the New York
State Diving Championship on November 19, 2016; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Erin Clifford.