Assembly Resolution No. 549

BY: M. of A. Otis

CONGRATULATING the Columbus Elementary School
Chess Team upon the occasion of capturing the 2019
US Chess Federation National Elementary K-6U1000
Chess Championship

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

WHEREAS, Scholastic competition enhances the moral and mental
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, From May 9-12, 2019, five Columbus Elementary School
students competed in the US Chess Federation National Elementary
K-6U1000 Chess Championship in Nashville, Tennessee; they were among
2252 chess players representing 46 states competing on 700 teams in 16
sections; and

WHEREAS, In the first event, on Thursday May 9, 2019, the chess
students competed in 11 rounds of Blitz (speed chess), placing 7th in
the nation; after playing seven additional rounds of chess, the Columbus
Elementary School Chess Team finished the weekend in First Place; and

WHEREAS, The talent displayed by this team is due in great part to
the efforts of Coach Mark Hegenauer, a skilled and inspirational tutor,
respected for his ability to develop potential into excellence; and

WHEREAS, The team's overall record is outstanding, and the team
members were loyally and enthusiastically supported by family, fans,
friends and the community at large; and

WHEREAS, The hallmarks of the Columbus Elementary School Chess Team,
from the opening match of the season to participation in the
championship, proved to be a group of masterminds, displaying good
sportsmanship and ability, and demonstrating that these team players are
second to none; and

WHEREAS, Competitively and academically, the members of this
exemplary team have proven themselves to be an unbeatable combination of
talents, reflecting favorably on their school; and

WHEREAS, Coach Mark Hegenauer has done a superb job in guiding,
molding and inspiring the team members toward their goals; and

WHEREAS, Competition instills the values of teamwork, pride and
accomplishment, and Coach Mark Hegenauer and his outstanding team 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 the members of the Columbus Elementary School Chess Team:
Constantine Zalatis, Dylan Minchez, Ignacio Valencia, Dylan Solovyev,
Aiden Rodriquez, Naolin Concha, Joel Salick, Giovanna Murgia, Gianna
Murgia, Guilianna Murgia and Ashley Corazao; and Coach Mark Hegenauer
upon the occasion of capturing the 2019 US Chess Federation National
Elementary Chess Championship; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the members of the Columbus Elementary School Chess Team
and Coach Mark Hegenauer.