LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Joseph Girard III of Glens Falls,
New York, upon the occasion of capturing the Elks National Hoop Shoot
championship

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes pleasure in honoring talented young
athletes who distinguish themselves and their community through
outstanding athletic performance; and
WHEREAS, Athletic competition enhances the moral and physical develop-
ment of the young people of this State, preparing them for the future by
instilling in them the value of teamwork, encouraging a standard of
healthy living, imparting a desire for success and developing a sense of
fair play and competition; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
congratulate Joseph Girard III of Glens Falls, New York, upon the occa-
sion of capturing the Elks National Hoop Shoot championship; and
WHEREAS, On April 28, 2012, at Western New England University in
Springfield, Massachusetts, Joseph Girard III, an 11-year-old fifth-
grader from Glens Falls, New York, sunk all 25 of his foul-shots to win
the national championship for his age group of 8 to 13 year olds; and
WHEREAS, With his perfect 25-for-25 result from the free-throw line,
Joseph Girard III of Glens Falls, New York, also received the Getty
Powell Award as the best overall shooter in the boys division; and
WHEREAS, As an Elks national champion, Joseph Girard III of Glens
Falls, New York, will have his name inscribed on a plaque at the
National Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS, The Elks National Free Throw Contest, the Elks Hoop Shoot, is
the largest and most visible of the many youth activities sponsored by
Elks lodges throughout the country; it is active in all 50 states and
the District of Columbia; over three million boys and girls between the
ages of eight and 13 will participate this year; and
WHEREAS, Now in its 40th year of national competition, the Elks Hoop
Shoot started originally in 1946 as a local Elks activity in Corvallis,
Oregon; it has served to highlight the Elks national commitment to
youth; and
WHEREAS, Each of over 2,100 Elks lodges are encouraged to establish
their own local Hoop Shoot contests involving boys and girls from ages
eight to 13; in the first year of the national program, boys from 19
states participated; in 1973, over 750,000 boys from 42 states took part
in the contest, and in the following year, girls were added to the
competition; and
WHEREAS, From the millions of youngsters who participate in the Elks
Hoop Shoot program, six champions are named -- one boy and one girl --
each in three categories: ages 8-9; 10-11; and 12-13; the winners each
receive a trophy and their names are inscribed at the National Memorial
Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS, The competition to become a Elks Hoop Shoot champion is
rigorous; at each level contestants take a total of 25 free throws;
national finalists average around 90 percent; and
WHEREAS, Families participate with contestants throughout the Elks
Hoop Shoot competition; the parents of finalists on the state, regional
and national levels attend the competition as guests of the Elks; and
WHEREAS, The Elks Hoop Shoot program has been effective in developing
both champions and character; educators and parents have endorsed the
program which "teaches a person how to win in good grace and how to
accept the moment of defeat without bitterness"; and

WHEREAS, Excellence and success in competitive sports can be achieved
only through strenuous practice; Joseph Girard III's dedication is a
year-round, everyday commitment; he is highly focused and has developed
a matchless work ethic; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Girard III's exemplary performance in the Elks Hoop
Shoot program is reflective of his dedication, determination and
personal commitment; his achievement stands as a hallmark of what is
best in the families, schools and communities across New York State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Joseph Girard III upon the occasion of his participation in
the 40th Annual Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks National Hoop
Shoot competition, and to commend him for the enduring honor he has
brought to his family, his school and his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Joseph Girard III.