Senate Deputy Leader Gianaris Presents Resolution Recognizing Young Womens Leadership School Of Astoria After Citywide “Hack League” Victory
May 9, 2019
ASTORIA, N.Y. – Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris recognized middle school students from the Young Women’s Leadership School of Astoria with a resolution honoring their victory in the citywide Hack League.
“Congratulations to these remarkable students who will be the next generation of STEAM leaders in our city,” said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. “I am proud to honor these young women for their achievement a Senate resolution and I look forward to their continued success.”
Allison Persad, principal of the Young Women’s Leadership School said “Senator Gianaris’ unwavering support of computer science education and the students in the his deep rooted Astoria community, is an exemplar of how the intersection of leadership and politics can inspire the future. Innovation, full STEAM ahead!”
The Young Women’s Leadership School team developed an app to fight pollution. The app was built on the Swift platform.
Students from all district middle and high schools were invited to participate in this year’s Hack League, a program that is part of the Computer Science for All initiative and in partnership with BetaNYC, through which students use computer science concepts and open data from their school neighborhoods to solve problems impacting their communities. Approximately 1,700 students across all five boroughs participated in the league. In order to make it to the final, teams had to win their school-based competition, followed by a borough-wide competition.
Photos from Senator Gianaris’ presentation of the resolution are available here: https://bit.ly/2WzPCkB.
The full text of the resolution is below:
CONGRATULATING the Middle School Team from the Young Women's Leadership School of Astoria, Queens, upon the occasion of winning the Computer Science for All Hack League Final
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor the youth of today, and leaders of tomorrow, whose character and achievements exemplify the ideals and values cherished by this great State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, It is also the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the dedication and commitment of our young people who distinguish themselves through excellence in science and academic competition; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate the Middle School Team from the Young Women's Leadership School of Astoria, Queens, upon the occasion of winning the Computer Science for All Hack League Final, Middle School Division; and
WHEREAS, Ably led by STEAM Director Emily Fields, the victorious Middle School Team consisted of Mia Soret, Allison Perez Robles, Trianne Hontiveros, and Afsana Rahman; and
WHEREAS, The Hack League Program is part of the Computer Science for All Initiative, in partnership with BetaNYC; through this program, students use computer science concepts and open data from their school neighborhoods to solve problems impacting their communities; approximately 1,700 students from all five boroughs participated in the League; and
WHEREAS, In order to make it to the Final, the Middle School Team from the Young Women's Leadership School of Astoria, Queens, won their school-based competition, followed by a borough-wide competition; and
WHEREAS, On Wednesday, April 17, 2019, the Middle School Team from the Young Women's Leadership School of Astoria, Queens, joined 28 other teams, consisting of about 130 students, to build their projects and present their findings to a panel of guest judges and New York City Council members; and
WHEREAS, Finalists in the Hack League worked on projects, apps, and games designed to advocate for environmental sustainability and trash reduction, to solve the deer epidemic on Staten Island, and to reduce obesity and help people eat better and stay fit in New York City; and
WHEREAS, Using the Swift platform, the Middle School Team from the Young Women's Leadership School of Astoria, Queens, developed their winning app to combat excessive pollution; during the game, individuals score points when they use trash cans and recycling units on city streets; 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 eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose, these computer scientists 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 and parents; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate the Middle School Team from the Young Women's Leadership School of Astoria, Queens, upon the occasion of winning the Computer Science for All Hack League Final; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the members of the Young Women's Leadership School of Astoria, Queens, Team; Emily Fields, STEAM Director; and Dr. Allison Persad, Principal.