LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Taliah Tillman of Questar III's
Rensselaer Educational Center in Troy, upon the occasion of capturing
Second Place in the New York State History Day Competition, on April 29,
2013

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend and pay
tribute to those young people who, by achieving outstanding success in
an educational competition, have inspired and brought pride to our
majestic Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Taliah Tillman of Questar III's Rensselaer Educational Center in
Troy, upon the occasion of capturing Second Place in the New York State
History Day Competition; this prestigious event was held on Monday,
April 29, 2013, in Cooperstown, New York; and
WHEREAS, Taliah Tillman began her journey to the state championship
when she won Second Place at the Capital Region History Day Contest,
held on Saturday, March 23, 2013, at the Cultural Education Center in
Albany, New York; the preliminary regional competition of the National
History Day Contest, the Capital Region event attracted 132 students and
75 entries from schools in Albany, Clifton Park, Delmar, Guilderland,
Granville, Troy, and Schenectady; and
WHEREAS, National History Day is a year-long academic program focused
on historical research for 6th to 12th grade students; and
WHEREAS, National History Day makes history come alive for America's
youth by engaging them in the discovery of the historic, cultural and
social experiences of the past; through hands-on experiences and presen-
tations, today's students are better able to inform the present and
shape the future; National History Day transforms the process of learn-
ing history through utilizing project-based curriculum and instruction
and the spirit of competition; and
WHEREAS, In New York State, National History Day is sponsored by the
New York State Historical Association which encourages students to
explore local, state, national, and world history; after selecting a
historical topic that relates to an annual theme, students conduct
extensive research by using libraries, archives, museums, and oral
history interviews; and
WHEREAS, As part of National History Day, New York students analyze
and interpret their findings, draw conclusions about their topics'
significance in history, and create final projects that illustrate their
work; this year's theme was "Turning Points in History"; and
WHEREAS, Taliah Tillman, a student at Questar III's Rensselaer Educa-
tional Center in Troy, won Second Place in the Senior Individual Exhibit
category for her project: Flying to the Top: An Aviation Woman; she was
coached by her dedicated teachers: Mary Bayham, John Mahony and Lewis
Cappelli; and
WHEREAS, By capturing Second Place in her division at the New York
State History Day Competition, Taliah Tillman is now qualified to
advance to compete at National History Day in College Park, Maryland, in
June 2013; and
WHEREAS, It is appropriate to celebrate the accomplishments of remark-
able and exceptional students who participate in these educational
contests, achieving noteworthy recognition for their efforts; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor Taliah Tillman, an
able scholar, recognizing the value of her labors and the promise of her
future; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Taliah Tillman of Questar III's Rensselaer Educational
Center in Troy, upon the occasion of capturing Second Place in the New
York State History Day Competition; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Taliah Tillman.