LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Ricky Arietta, Michael Kraus,
Bradley Silverman and Erik Hinrichsen of Tappen Zee High School upon the
occasion of receiving a Top Ranking in the New York State 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 Ricky Arietta, Michael Kraus, Bradley Silverman and Erik Hinrichsen
of Tappen Zee High School upon the occasion of receiving a Top Ranking
in the New York State 2009 National History Day competition; and
WHEREAS, On May 1, 2009, Ricky Arietta, Michael Kraus, Bradley Silver-
man and Erik Hinrichsen, along with over 400 other 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 6-12 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' signif-
icance 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, Ricky Arietta, Michael Kraus, Bradley Silverman and Erik
Hinrichsen won third place for their Senior Group Documentary,
"Crooked"; and
WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose, Ricky
Arietta, Michael Kraus, Bradley Silverman and Erik Hinrichsen now stand
honorably, with just pride in their accomplishments and in eager antic-
ipation of future challenges, understanding and appreciating the caring
counsel and support provided by their teachers, coaches and parents;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Ricky Arietta, Michael Kraus, Bradley Silverman and Erik
Hinrichsen of Tappen Zee High School upon the occasion of receiving a
Top Ranking in the New York State 2009 National History Day competition;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ricky Arietta, Michael Kraus, Bradley Silverman and Erik
Hinrichsen.