LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating the Roosevelt Rough Riders Chess
Team upon the occasion of winning the Chessnuts Chess Tournament

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend and pay
tribute to the youth of today and leaders of tomorrow whose character
and achievements best exemplify the ideals and values cherished by this
great State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, It is also the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
the dedication and commitment of our young people who, by achieving
outstanding success in their endeavors, have inspired and brought pride
to our majestic Empire State, and who distinguish themselves in competi-
tion through excellence and accomplishment; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late the Roosevelt Rough Riders Chess Team upon the occasion of winning
the Chessnuts Chess Tournament; and
WHEREAS, On May 11, 2013, the Roosevelt Rough Riders Chess Team won
their seventh straight first place trophy at the annual "Chess Nuts"
tournament, held at Jericho Middle/High School; twenty Roosevelt Union
Free School District elementary and middle school students in grades 2-6
competed against students in chess programs from school districts across
Long Island in a series of challenging rounds to defend their number one
ranking in the novice (K-6) category; and
WHEREAS, The Roosevelt Rough Riders competed against some of the top
school districts on Long Island, which are also some of the best school
districts in the nation, including the Jericho School District; and
WHEREAS, The Roosevelt Chess Team represents the best and brightest of
Roosevelt and America; the students used critical and analytical think-
ing skills to maneuver through complicated chess moves and the winning
team also has students classified as students with disabilities, proving
that all children can learn, compete and succeed; and
WHEREAS, The seven-time success of the Roosevelt Rough Riders would
not be possible without the strong commitment from art teacher Mr.
William Evans, a 22 year teacher in the district; he meets with the
students in the morning before the start of school and encourages them
through his loving and calm presence; and
WHEREAS, The members of the Roosevelt Rough Riders Chess Team include:
Oliver Rivas, Katie Cole, Nathalia Joya, Jasmine Alagna, Warren Smith,
Henry Hernandez, Anthony Hernandez, Adisa Johnson, Isaiah Willock, Josh-
ua Rivas, Kevin Arriaza, Alex Evora, Joshua Livingston, Anaya Archie,
and Sharif Brown; and
WHEREAS, The talent displayed by the Roosevelt Rough Riders Chess Team
is due in great part to the efforts of its coach, William Evans, a
skilled and inspirational mentor, respected for his ability to develop
potential into excellence; and
WHEREAS, It is appropriate to celebrate the successful endeavors and
accomplishments of remarkable youth in this great Empire State; the
members of the Roosevelt Rough Riders Chess Team are indeed such remark-
able New York State youth; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the Roosevelt Rough Riders Chess Team upon the occasion of
winning the Chessnuts Chess Tournament, and to extend to them the best
wishes of this Legislative Body for a future of purposeful success and
well-being, fully confident of their response to a promising future and
appreciative of the model they represent for all aspiring young people
of the Empire State; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Roosevelt Rough Riders Chess Team and to Coach William
Evans.