Senate Resolution No. 1632

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING Ava Horton, Meka Boncie-Machin and
Emily St. John upon the occasion of their
designation as recipients of a Liberty Medal, the
highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New
York State Senate

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the caring concern and heroic acts of individuals who take
prompt and appropriate action in emergency situations, nobly risking
their own lives in an effort to preserve the life of another; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Ava Horton, Meka Boncie-Machin and Emily St. John upon the
occasion of their designation as recipients of a Liberty Medal, the
highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate;
and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, On April 23, 2019, students Ava Horton, Meka Boncie-Machin
and Emily St. John were at Collins Lake in Scotia, New York, when they
witnessed a visibly disoriented man entering the water; the man's mother
ran in after him and began calling for help as she could not swim; and

WHEREAS, Responding without hesitation or regard for their own
safety, Ava Horton immediately dialed 911 while Meka Boncie-Machin
jumped into the water to help; and

WHEREAS, After realizing the victim was unconscious, Meka
Boncie-Machin attempted to drag both the man and his mother toward the
shore; Emily St. John then jumped in the water to help her struggling
friend, during which time the police arrived and were able to complete
the rescue; and

WHEREAS, Ava Horton, Meka Boncie-Machin and Emily St. John, in their
spontaneous and heroic act, have so aptly demonstrated their character
and compassion for the welfare of others, personifying, by virtue of
their actions, the collective concern of ordinary citizens across the
community of New York State who voluntarily respond without thought of
danger or reward when others are in need of help; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Ava Horton, Meka Boncie-Machin and Emily St. John upon the
occasion of their designation as recipients of a Liberty Medal, the
highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Ava Horton, Meka Boncie-Machin and Emily St. John.