Senate Resolution No. 617

BY: Senator MATTERA

COMMENDING Stella Tsimis upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the
highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New
York State Senate

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made
significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
caring concern and heroic acts of exemplary citizens who take prompt and
appropriate action in emergency situations, and in doing so, help others
to avert life-threatening danger; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Stella
Tsimis upon the occasion of her designation as recipient 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 February 1, 2023, Helen B. Duffield Elementary School
teacher aide Stella Tsimis was working in the cafeteria during lunchtime
when she heard two students yelling "Seren is choking" and saw the young
girl running toward her, with a red face, and pointing to herself to
show she was struggling; and

WHEREAS, Without hesitation, Stella Tsimis performed the Heimlich
maneuver on the terrified 7-year-old, successfully dislodging the food
from her esophagus; and

WHEREAS, Seren Mavruk immediately and gratefully gave Stella Tsimis
a hug and she and her friends drew her a picture on a poster board that
was surrounded by stars and hearts and read "Thank You HERO"; and

WHEREAS, Those who have the privilege of knowing Stella Tsimis, know
she is always ready and willing to lend a helping hand and always puts
others first; she has a heart of gold and is known for the kindness and
generosity she bestows upon everyone she meets, especially children; and

WHEREAS, A longtime resident of Nesconset, Long Island, Stella
Tsimis is a loving, supportive wife to her husband George and a
dedicated mother to her four boys, Elias, Alexander, Zachary and
Michael; and

WHEREAS, Prior to her employment with Helen B. Duffield Elementary
School, Stella Tsimis spent many years working in the healthcare sector,
serving in a variety of roles for sundry medical fields including
dermatology, neurology and cardiology; and

WHEREAS, Fortunately for Seren and each and every student, teacher
and staff member at the elementary school, Stella Tsimis has been
trained in CPR and various life-saving techniques; and

WHEREAS, Stella Tsimis also volunteers her time and energy to
various organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House, Saint Basil
Academy, and the Feal Good foundation; and

WHEREAS, Praised for her swift actions, Stella Tsimis demonstrated
her true character and genuine compassion for the welfare of others,
personifying, by virtue of her actions, the collective concern of
ordinary citizens across the community of the State of New York who
voluntarily respond when others are in need; and

WHEREAS, Justly recognized as a hero, Stella Tsimis richly merits
the admiration of this Legislative Body and her community for her
consummate courage and heroic actions; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Stella Tsimis upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the
New York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Stella Tsimis.