LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Shan Jafri, Giovanni Vittozzi,
Matthew Grillo, Seamus Scaring and Vincent Devenoge from St. Mary's
Elementary School upon the occasion of receiving a Top Ranking in the
New York State 2010 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 Shan Jafri, Giovanni Vittozzi, Matthew Grillo, Seamus Scaring and
Vincent Devenoge from St. Mary's Elementary School upon the occasion of
receiving a Top Ranking in the New York State 2010 National History Day
competition; and
WHEREAS, Shan Jafri, Giovanni Vittozzi, Matthew Grillo, Seamus Scaring
and Vincent Devenoge, 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 topic's 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, Shan Jafri, Giovanni Vittozzi, Matthew Grillo, Seamus Scaring
and Vincent Devenoge won first place for their junior group exhibit
entitled, "DNA Evidence - The Key to our Future"; and
WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose, Shan
Jafri, Giovanni Vittozzi, Matthew Grillo, Seamus Scaring and Vincent
Devenoge now stand honorably, with just pride in their accomplishments
and in eager anticipation of future challenges, understanding and appre-
ciating 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 Shan Jafri, Giovanni Vittozzi, Matthew Grillo, Seamus Scar-
ing and Vincent Devenoge from St. Mary's Elementary School upon the
occasion of receiving a Top Ranking in the New York State 2010 National
History Day competition; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Shan Jafri, Giovanni Vittozzi, Matthew Grillo, Seamus Scaring
and Vincent Devenoge.