LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Dutch-
ess County Regional Science Fair

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 50th Anniversary of the Dutchess County Regional Science Fair
on Saturday, April 4, 2009, in Poughkeepsie, New York; and
WHEREAS, In 1959, the Dutchess County Regional Science Fair was start-
ed by the Dutchess County Dental Society with IBM funding in response to
the successful launch of Sputnik by the Soviet Union; the purpose was to
enhance science education in schools; and
WHEREAS, Since then, students throughout Dutchess County have been
presenting their research and receiving valuable feedback from profes-
sionals in various fields of science and engineering; the Dutchess Coun-
ty Regional Science Fair has directly benefited more than 10,000
students over the past 50 years; and
WHEREAS, The Dutchess County Regional Science Fair is affiliated with
the International Science and Engineering Fair; the purpose of the fair
is to: stimulate in young people an active interest in science and engi-
neering; provide an educational experience through being exposed to the
judges and other exhibits; and to give public recognition to talented
students for the work they have achieved; and
WHEREAS, The Dutchess County Regional Science Fair is a competition
based on the quality of projects done by the students; the results are
disclosed through exhibits and oral presentations; and
WHEREAS, The Dutchess County Regional Science Fair is open to all
qualified students from fifth through 12th grades attending any public,
private, parochial or home school in Dutchess County; in order to quali-
fy, students must be top place winners in their local science fairs; the
categories are as follows: biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics,
computer science, engineering, earth and space sciences, environmental
sciences, and behavioral and social sciences; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned our
recognition and applause; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Dutchess County Regional Science
Fair; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. Maung S. Htoo.