LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating the Celia Cruz Bronx High School
of Music Show Choir upon the occasion of being named the "Best Choir in
New York City" at the Bronx Zoo's inaugural SING! for Wildlife competi-
tion on December 30, 2010

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, This Legislative Body recognizes the importance of the
performing arts, which act to inspire, enlighten, and unify people from
all cultural backgrounds through the power of human expression; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate the
Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music Show Choir upon the occasion of
being named the "Best Choir in New York City" at the Bronx Zoo's inau-
gural SING! for Wildlife competition on Thursday, December 30, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 2003, the Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music
combines a rigorous academic program with high-quality music instruc-
tion, which the students receive with assistance from the CUNY Lehman
College Music Department; and
WHEREAS, The sing-off was part of the Bronx Zoo's effort to bring
homegrown culture to the City during the cold winter months, as well as
to raise awareness for One Percent for Culture, a non-partisan grass-
roots campaign which aims to encourage New York City officials to fund
cultural organizations throughout the City with one percent of the
municipal budget; and
WHEREAS, The famed Hard Rock Cafe sponsored the event, which featured
250 students from seven New York City schools; and
WHEREAS, In the final round of competition, the 22-strong student
choir, under the leadership of Choir Director Lisa Gwasda, the Celia
Cruz vocalists performed a 15-minute medley of Andrew Lloyd Webber-com-
posed songs, belting out vocals for the chance to gain recognition and
grant money and to encourage support for wildlife conservation; and
WHEREAS, Evaluated on the basis of originality, performance, talent,
and audience reaction, the Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music Show
Choir's remarkable performance won them the title of the "Best Choir in
New York City"; and
WHEREAS, As a result of the victory, the Celia Cruz choir won a
substantial grant for its choir program and the opportunity to perform
at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square, where the school's name will be
prominently displayed on the iconic concert venue's marquee; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend and pay
tribute to those young people who, by achieving outstanding success in
musical competition, have inspired and brought pride to our majestic
Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music Show Choir upon
the occasion of being named the "Best Choir in New York City" at the
Bronx Zoo's inaugural SING! for Wildlife competition on December 30,
2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, he tran-
smitted to the Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music Show Choir.