LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Shanika Bridges upon the occasion of
being named the 2011 Miss Teen-Ager of New York

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
made strong contributions to their communities and who serve as role
models for their peers; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Shanika Bridges upon the occasion of being named the 2011 Miss Teen-Ager
of New York; and
WHEREAS, Within every community there exist certain individuals who
through hard work, dedication, and service, play an instrumental role in
making their community a better place to live; and
WHEREAS, One such individual is Shanika Bridges, who is being honored
for her dedication to her community and for her extraordinary service,
not only to Tioga County, but to New York State; and
WHEREAS, Shanika Bridges was raised in the small town of Newark
Valley, New York, where she and her three siblings were raised by their
loving parents Judie and Jeffrey Bridges; and
WHEREAS, A dedicated student, Shanika Bridges is currently studying
pre-med at Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York; and
WHEREAS, Prior to attending Ithaca College, Shanika Bridges left her
mark on the community that she grew up in through volunteer work and
service to her fellow man; and
WHEREAS, Shanika Bridges is an active member of her church community,
where she sings and is a group leader at the Vacation Bible School; and
WHEREAS, For over 9 years, Shanika Bridges has dedicated her time as a
youth interpreter at Bement-Billings of Newark Valley; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, Shanika Bridges has been an assistant coach for
peewee cheerleading of Newark Valley, and has taught other youth how to
perform, sing, and dance at the Endicott Performing Arts Center; and
WHEREAS, As a dedicated performer, Shanika Bridges' passion for
performance has led her to perform with the Endicott Performing Arts
Center, Ti-Ahwaga Players Theatre, and the Valley Masquers; and
WHEREAS, A committed athlete, Shanika Bridges enjoys participating in
field hockey, golf, and cheerleading; and
WHEREAS, Shanika Bridges has achieved much recognition for her work in
the community and has been awarded accolades and leadership positions
within the community and within New York State such as: becoming the
first non-alumnus to sing at the Newark Valley Alumni concert, being
accepted to the Interlochen Center For The Arts musical theater program,
being named the 2011 Miss Teen Tioga County Fair, and being named the
2011 Miss Teen-Ager of New York; and
WHEREAS, With her sense of civic duty and her commitment to others,
Shanika Bridges represents the best development of the potential which
is inherent in our most precious resource, our youth; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Shanika Bridges upon the occasion of being named the 2011 Miss
Teen-Ager of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Shanika Bridges.