LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Elissa Driggin, 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 Elissa Driggin 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, An 18-year-old student at John F. Kennedy High School in the
Bellmore-Merrick Central School District, Elissa Driggin was recognized
for her study into Women's Health; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Elissa Driggin is the editor of the school year-
book and a member of both the Planet Earth Ecology Club and Math Mentor-
ship Club; 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, Elissa Driggin has distinguished herself as a young woman 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, Elissa Driggin may
take just pride in the inspiration and contribution to the spirit of
excellence she brings to John F. Kennedy High School; and
WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose, Elissa
Driggin now stands honorably, with just pride in her accomplishments and
in eager anticipation of future challenges, understanding and appreciat-
ing the caring counsel and support provided by her teachers, coaches and
parents; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Elissa Driggin upon the occasion of being named a semifinalist in
the prestigious Intel Science Talent Search, and extend to her its best
wishes for a future of purposeful success and well-being, fully confi-
dent of her response to a promising future and appreciative of the model
she 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 Elissa Driggin.