Senate Resolution No. 2954

BY: Senator O'MARA

CONGRATULATING Jessica Lawson upon the occasion of
capturing the NYSPHSAA Girls 3,000 meter
Championship on June 9, 2017

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, A standout long-distance runner for the Corning Hawks,
Jessica Lawson earned her third state championship at the NYSPHSAA Track
and Field meet on Friday, June 9, 2017, at Union-Endicott High School in
Endicott, New York; and

WHEREAS, Jessica Lawson won the 3,000 meter Championship with an
incredible time of 9:25.68, beating her closest opponent by a second;
and

WHEREAS, On Saturday, June 10, 2017, Jessica Lawson finished second
in the 1,500 meter race, however, she posted a fast personal record for
herself; and

WHEREAS, The athletic talent displayed by Jessica Lawson is due in
great part to the efforts of Coach Ray Lawson, a skilled and
inspirational tutor, respected for his ability to develop potential into
excellence; and

WHEREAS, Jessica Lawson's overall record is outstanding; she was
loyally and enthusiastically supported by her family, fans, friends and
the community at large; and

WHEREAS, Athletically and academically, Jessica Lawson has proven
herself to be an unbeatable combination of talents, reflecting favorably
on her school; and

WHEREAS, After graduation, Jessica Lawson plans to attend Stanford
University, where she will surely continue to excel in both sports and
academics; and

WHEREAS, Coach Ray Lawson has done a superb job in guiding, molding
and inspiring Jessica Lawson towards her goals; and

WHEREAS, Sports competition instills the values of teamwork, pride
and accomplishment, and Coach Ray Lawson and Jessica Lawson have clearly
made a contribution to the spirit of excellence which is a tradition of
their school; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Jessica Lawson upon the occasion of capturing the NYSPHSAA
Girls 3,000 meter Championship; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Jessica Lawson and Coach Ray Lawson.