Senate Resolution No. 2953

BY: Senator AKSHAR

CONGRATULATING Parker Stokes upon the occasion of
capturing the NYSPHSAA Division II 3,000 meter
Steeplechase Championship on June 10, 2017

WHEREAS, Excellence and success in competitive sports can be
achieved only through strenuous practice, team play and team spirit,
nurtured by dedicated coaching and strategic planning; and

WHEREAS, Athletic competition enhances the moral and physical
development 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, A standout sophomore steeplechase runner for the
Maine-Endwell Spartans, Parker Stokes earned his first state
championship in the 3,000 meter Steeplechase on Saturday, June 10, 2017,
at Union-Endicott High School in Endicott, New York; and

WHEREAS, Parker Stokes won this grueling 7 1/2 lap event by a
winning margin of 14 seconds in his division, recording an outstanding
time of 9:30.62; and

WHEREAS, This exceptional athlete also placed 5th overall in the New
York State Federation, which includes every secondary school in New
York, both private and public; and

WHEREAS, With this monumental win, Parker Stokes will compete in the
2,000 meter Steeplechase at the New Balance High School Nationals on
Saturday, June 17, 2017, in Greensboro, North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his success in the Steeplechase, Parker
Stokes ran in two New York State Championships in Cross-Country, and two
New York State Federation Championship races; and

WHEREAS, The athletic talent displayed by Parker Stokes due in great
part to the efforts of Coach Michael Cordi, a skilled and inspirational
tutor, respected for his ability to develop potential into excellence;
and

WHEREAS, Parker Stokes' overall record is outstanding; he was
loyally and enthusiastically supported by his parents, Dave and Leslie
Stokes, his sister, Lindsey, fans, friends and the community at large;
and

WHEREAS, Athletically and academically, Parker Stokes has proven
himself to be an unbeatable combination of talents, reflecting favorably
on his school; and

WHEREAS, Coach Michael Cordi has done a superb job in guiding,
molding and inspiring Parker Stokes towards his goals; and

WHEREAS, Sports competition instills the values of teamwork, pride
and accomplishment, and Coach Michael Cordi and Parker Stokes have
clearly made a contribution to the spirit of excellence which is a
tradition of their school; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Parker Stokes upon the occasion of capturing the NYSPHSAA
Division II 3,000 meter Steeplechase Championship on June 10, 2017; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Parker Stokes and Coach Michael Cordi.