Senate Resolution No. 3205

BY: Senator GAUGHRAN

CONGRATULATING Erica Hooshi upon the occasion of
being selected to represent the United States of
America in the Junior Pan American Fencing
Championships

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, Erica Hooshi, a 16-year-old student at Jericho High School
in Jericho, New York, was one of only four junior girls' fencers to be
selected to represent the United States of America in the Junior Pan
American Fencing Championships this year, which is for participants 20
years old or younger; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Erica Hooshi was the only athlete chosen among
this group from the northeastern part of the country, and is currently
ranked 64th among junior fencers worldwide; and

WHEREAS, The athletic talent displayed by Erica Hooshi is due in
great part to the efforts of her coach, an ex-Chinese Olympian fencer
and inspirational mentor, respected for his ability to develop potential
into excellence; and

WHEREAS, Having only started fencing three-and-a-half years ago
while in the ninth grade, Erica Hooshi's overall record is outstanding;
she earned two bronze medals at the USA Fencing Salt Lake City SJCC
Tournament, as well as a gold medal with the senior girls foil team in
the December North American Cup in 2019; and

WHEREAS, Loyally and enthusiastically supported by family, fans,
friends and the community at large, Erica Hooshi has truly dedicated
herself to fencing; her biggest growth as an athlete has come from her
toughest battles, and her extraordinary ability to overcome adversity
has proven to bring out the best in her; and

WHEREAS, In light of her recent accomplishments, Erica Hooshi has
brought honor and just pride to her school and community on the local,
State and National levels; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Erica Hooshi upon the occasion of being selected to
represent the United States of America in the Junior Pan American
Fencing Championships; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Erica Hooshi.