LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Mariko Azis from Ithaca Senior
High School upon the occasion of receiving a Top Ranking in the 2009
National History Day competition

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 Mariko Azis from Ithaca Senior High School upon the occasion of
receiving a Top Ranking in the 2009 National History Day competition;
and
WHEREAS, On May 1, 2009, Mariko Azis, a 10th grader, along with 424
students from across New York State traveled to Cooperstown to take part
in New York State History Day; and
WHEREAS, National History Day, a federally recognized educational
program sponsored in New York by the New York State Historical Associ-
ation, encourages students grades six-12 to explore local, state,
national and world history; after selecting a historical topic that
relates to an annual theme, students conduct extensive research by using
libraries, archives and museums, and oral history interviews; they also
analyze and interpret their findings, draw conclusions about their
topics' significance in history, and create final projects that present
their work; and
WHEREAS, These particular projects which include historical papers,
documentaries, performances, tabletop exhibits, and websites can be
entered into a series of competitions, from the local to the national
level, where they are evaluated by professional historians and educa-
tors; in order to participate in the state contest, students achieved
top scores at earlier school and regional contests; and
WHEREAS, Mariko Azis won first place for his senior historical paper
entitled, "Diego Velazquez and Realism"; he qualified to compete at the
National History Day Competition, which will take place at the Universi-
ty of Maryland, College Park, in mid-June; and
WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose, Mariko
Azis now stands honorably, with just pride in his accomplishments and in
eager anticipation of future challenges, understanding and appreciating
the caring counsel and support provided by his teachers, coaches and
parents; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Mariko Azis from Ithaca Senior High School upon the occa-
sion of receiving a Top Ranking in the 2009 National History Day compe-
tition, and offer him its best wishes for a future of purposeful success
and well-being; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mariko Azis.