LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Julie Leviter upon the occasion of being
named a 2009 Merrill Presidential Scholar at Cornell University

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
this majestic Empire State with their intellectual drive, energetic
leadership abilities, strong contributions to their communities and
scholastic achievements; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Julie Leviter upon the occasion of being named a 2009 Merrill Presiden-
tial Scholar at Cornell University; and
WHEREAS, Each spring semester, 32 scholars, representing approximately
one percent of the graduating class, are named to receive this honor by
the deans of each of Cornell's seven undergraduate colleges; and
WHEREAS, The scholars, in turn, recognize a high school teacher who
most inspired their scholastic development, as well as a Cornell faculty
member who most significantly contributed to their college education and
experience; and
WHEREAS, A young woman of singular distinction and superlative abili-
ty, Julie Leviter named Terrence McNamara of Commack High School as the
teacher who inspired her; and
WHEREAS, The Merrill Presidential Scholars Program is made possible by
funding from Philip Merrill, Cornell Class of 1955; the STAR (Special
Teachers Are Recognized) Scholarship, established in 1989 with support
from the late Donald Berens and his wife, Margi, members of the Class of
1947, honors the chosen high school teachers; and
WHEREAS, The STAR Scholarship provides for a one-time scholarship
established in each teacher's name for a financially needy Cornell
student from the teacher's high school or geographical area; and
WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose, Julie
Leviter now stands honorably, with just pride in her accomplishments and
in eager anticipation of future challenges, understanding and appreciat-
ing the caring counsel and inspiration provided by Terrence McNamara of
Commack High School; 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, with
praise and pride, to honor Julie Leviter upon the occasion of being
named a 2009 Merrill Presidential Scholar at Cornell University, and to
extend to her the best wishes of this Legislative Body for a future of
purposeful success and well-being, fully confident of her response to
the challenges of a promising future and appreciative of the model she
represents for all young people of the Empire State; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Julie Leviter and Terrence McNamara.