LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Jacob Spiegel upon the occasion of being
named a semifinalist in the prestigious Intel Science Talent Search

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those young people within the great Empire State who have
achieved outstanding educational success and serve as role models for
their peers; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to honor Jacob Spiegel upon
the occasion of being named a semifinalist in the prestigious Intel
Science Talent Search, one of the most prestigious and competitive
advanced science research contests for high school students in the coun-
try; and
WHEREAS, A 17-year-old student at Wellington C. Mepham High School in
the Bellmore-Merrick Central School District, Jacob Spiegel was recog-
nized for his study into how the bitter taste receptor gene can affect
survival of a species; and
WHEREAS, A state-certified respite provider for autistic children,
Jacob Spiegel was a member of the wrestling team until the 10th grade
and now plays guitar in a band that does Grateful Dead cover songs; and
WHEREAS, Sponsored by Intel since 1998, the Science Talent Search is
the oldest and most highly regarded pre-college science competition in
the country; alumni of the program hold more than 100 of the most covet-
ed science and math honors in the world, including the Nobel Prize, the
National Medal of Science, the MacArthur Foundation Fellowship and the
Fields Medal; and
WHEREAS, For more than 60 years, the Science Talent Search, often
referred to as the Junior Nobel Prize, has provided an incentive and an
arena for high school students to complete an original research project
and have it recognized by a national jury of highly regarded profes-
sional scientists; and
WHEREAS, The projects are a result of inquiry-based learning methods
designed to nurture critical reasoning skills, to experience science
through the use of the scientific method and to demonstrate how math and
science skills are crucial to making sense of today's technological
world and making the best decisions for tomorrow; and
WHEREAS, Jacob Spiegel has distinguished himself as a young man of
exceptional ability, talent and maturity, establishing standards of
excellence and achievement rarely attained in youthful years; and
WHEREAS, In achieving this high academic honor, Jacob Spiegel may take
just pride in the inspiration and contribution to the spirit of excel-
lence he brings to Wellington C. Mepham High School; and
WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose, Jacob
Spiegel 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; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Jacob Spiegel upon the occasion of being named a semifinalist in
the prestigious Intel Science Talent Search, and extend to him its best
wishes for a future of purposeful success and well-being, fully confi-
dent of his response to a promising future and appreciative of the model
he represents for all aspiring young people of the Empire State; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Jacob Spiegel.