LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Thomas Harkins upon the occasion
of winning the 45th Annual DAILY NEWS New York Spelling Bee

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend and pay
tribute to those young people who have inspired and brought pride to our
majestic Empire State by achieving outstanding success in educational
competition; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Thomas Harkins upon the occasion of winning the 45th Annual DAILY
NEWS New York Spelling Bee at Hunter College; and
WHEREAS, An eighth grader at Dyker Heights Intermediate School, Thomas
Harkins correctly spelled "philippic," a verbal denunciation character-
ized by harsh, often insulting language, to best 44 competitors and
become the first of two New Yorkers to make the Scripps National Spell-
ing Bee in Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS, With Thomas Harkins throughout have been his parents, Thomas
and Linda Harkins, both of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life
and rejoice in his many achievements; and
WHEREAS, A young man of singular distinction and superlative ability,
Thomas Harkins exemplifies the best potential which is inherent in our
most precious resource, our youth; he has established a high standard of
academic excellence and purposefulness of life rarely achieved in youth-
ful years; and
WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose, Thomas
Harkins now stands honorably, with just pride in his accomplishments and
in eager anticipation of future challenges, understanding and appreciat-
ing the caring counsel and support provided by his teachers, coaches and
parents; 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
congratulate Thomas Harkins upon the occasion of winning the 45th Annual
DAILY NEWS New York Spelling Bee and wish him luck in the 2009 Scripps
National Spelling Bee; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Thomas Harkins.