Assembly Resolution No. 536

BY: M. of A. Palmesano

HONORING Ray Lawson upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the New York State High
School Coach of the Year Award by the United States
Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches
Association

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to act, in accord
with its long-standing traditions, to commend notable educators and
athletic coaches who serve the youth of this great Empire State and who
have distinguished themselves and their schools through outstanding
commitment and exemplary athletic achievement; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Ray Lawson
upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the New York State
High School Coach of the Year Award by the United States Track and Field
and Cross Country Coaches Association; and

WHEREAS, Every year, one boys coach and one girls coach from each of
the 50 states and the District of Columbia are honored for their
successes, as selected by a committee of experts around the nation; and

WHEREAS, The factors taken into consideration were team score and
placement at the state championships, margin of victory, performance
against rankings if available, individual championships, and how their
teams' performance stacked up to previous years; and

WHEREAS, As the Corning Hawks Head Cross Country Coach, Ray Lawson
led the Corning Boys Cross Country Team to a New York State Championship
in November of 2016 for the first time in school history, and won the
fifth consecutive Southern Tier Athletic Conference title and Section IV
title for Corning; and

WHEREAS, In addition to the team's excellence on the course, Ray
Lawson's boys and girls teams both earned academic All-Star honors for
the fall season, which requires a combined academic average of 90 or
better from at least 75 percent of the roster; and

WHEREAS, Ray Lawson's positive demeanor, selfless commitment, and
caring concern have contributed to his enduring success as a coach and
mentor, earning him the just respect and admiration of his community,
his peers, and the athletes he has so ably coached; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Ray Lawson upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the New York State High School Coach of the Year Award by the United
States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association; and be it
further


RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Coach Ray Lawson.