Senate Resolution No. 2853

BY: Senator KAPLAN

COMMENDING Viraj Jayam upon the occasion of his
designation as a Distinguished Finalist in the 25th
Annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to act, in accord
with its long-standing traditions, honoring the youth of today, and
leaders of tomorrow, whose character and achievements exemplify the
ideals and values cherished by this great State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Viraj
Jayam upon the occasion of his designation as a Distinguished Finalist
in the 25th Annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, to be
recognized with a Medallion Presentation on Monday, March 16, 2020, at
The Wheatley School, Old Westbury, New York; and

WHEREAS, Viraj Jayam has distinguished himself as a young man of
superlative ability, establishing a high standard of community service,
purposefulness of life, and sense of responsibility rarely achieved in
youthful years; and

WHEREAS, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, created in 1995
by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of
Secondary School Principals (NASSP), are designed to emphasize the
importance our Nation places on service to others, and to encourage all
young Americans to contribute to their communities; and

WHEREAS, Viraj Jayam, an esteemed resident of Roslyn Heights, New
York, and a junior at the Wheatley School, has achieved national
recognition for exemplary volunteer service by receiving a 2020
Prudential Spirit of Community Award; and

WHEREAS, This prestigious award honors young volunteers across
America who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to their
communities; and

WHEREAS, Viraj Jayam founded Helping Hands Long Island, through
which he uses 3-D printing to create tailored prosthetics for people in
need; he learned how to operate the technology and partnered with
another organization to provide prosthetics to people in India, Nepal
and Mexico; he was inspired to start this project after his childhood
friend from India lost an arm in a factory accident; and

WHEREAS, The success of the State of New York, the strength of our
communities, and the vitality of American society depend, in great
measure, upon the dedication of young people like Viraj Jayam, who use
their considerable talents and resources to serve others; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor Viraj Jayam,
commending him for his outstanding record of volunteerism, peer
leadership, and community service, recognizing the value of his labors
and the promise of his future; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations,
with praise and pride, to commend Viraj Jayam for his achievements and
to extend to him the best wishes of this Legislative Body for a future
of purposeful success and well-being; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Viraj Jayam.