LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Samantha Hernandez upon the occasion
of being named one of the 40 Under 40 Rising Latino Stars by the Hispan-
ic Coalition of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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 commend
Samantha Hernandez upon the occasion of being named one of the 40 Under
40 Rising Latino Stars by the Hispanic Coalition of New York which was
celebrated at a ceremony held on Sunday, October 11, 2015, in Albany,
New York; and
WHEREAS, Samantha Hernandez, a junior at Sanford H. Calhoun High
School, was nominated for this prestigious award by Christine Boyce, an
advanced science research teacher at her school; she is also the young-
est person and the only high school student in New York State to achieve
this distinction; and
WHEREAS, An exemplary student with a passion for research, Samantha
Hernandez has been studying the effects of bilingualism on the brain;
she is planning an experiment in January aimed at assessing how profi-
ciency in a second language can affect a student's ability to retain
words in a new language; and
WHEREAS, In addition, this esteemed young woman writes for her school
newspaper and is a member of Key Club, Students Against Destructive
Decisions and Youth United for Global Action; she also performs clerical
work as a volunteer at Winthrop-University Hospital in Mineola; and
WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose, this
scholar now stands honorably, with just pride in her accomplishments and
in eager anticipation of future challenges, understanding and appreciat-
ing the caring counsel and support provided by her teachers, advisors
and parents; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Samantha Hernandez has stood
constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend young
individuals of outstanding character, who have shown initiative and
commitment toward constantly pursuing higher goals for themselves, and
acting as role models of leadership to be emulated by both peers and
young people; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Samantha Hernandez upon the occasion of being named one of the
40 Under 40 Rising Lantino Stars by the Hispanic Coalition of New York;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Samantha Hernandez.