Senate Resolution No. 1303

BY: Senator MARTINS

COMMENDING Austin Jin, Bryan Cheng, and Ellen
Zhang of Great Neck South High School for organizing
New York State's first-ever student-led bone marrow
registry drive on October 24, 2025

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and
commend young people whose leadership, initiative, and commitment to
service strengthen their communities and advance the public good; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Austin Jin, Bryan Cheng, and Ellen Zhang of Great Neck South
High School for organizing New York State's first-ever student-led bone
marrow registry drive; and

WHEREAS, Students of Great Neck South High School in Nassau County
achieved a historic milestone by hosting New York State's first-ever
student-led bone marrow swab drive at a public high school, in
partnership with the Gift of Life Marrow Registry; and

WHEREAS, This groundbreaking initiative was organized and led by
Austin Jin and Bryan Cheng, juniors at Great Neck South High School, and
Ellen Zhang, a senior, whose vision and dedication brought together
science, service, and student leadership in support of life-saving
medical treatment; and

WHEREAS, The bone marrow swab drive was held on October 24, 2025, in
the school gymnasium alongside the Red Cross Blood Drive, in
collaboration with South High's DECA and Key Club, demonstrating
exceptional coordination and community engagement; and

WHEREAS, Over the course of several weeks, the student organizers
independently coordinated all aspects of the initiative, including
volunteer training, peer-to-peer outreach, collaboration with Gift of
Life representatives, and adherence to health and logistical
requirements; and

WHEREAS, A central and impactful component of the event was the
students' commitment to education, as they worked to address
misconceptions surrounding bone marrow donation and helped participants
understand that a simple cheek swab collects DNA for matching purposes
and that donation occurs only if a match is later identified; and

WHEREAS, Through meaningful dialogue with trained volunteers,
hundreds of students and staff learned how bone marrow transplants can
cure leukemia, lymphoma, and other serious blood disorders, transforming
initial uncertainty into understanding and empowerment; and

WHEREAS, As a direct result of this student-led effort, more than 45
new potential donors were added to the national bone marrow registry,
each representing a future opportunity to save a life; and

WHEREAS, Building upon the success of the Great Neck South High
School drive, Austin Jin, Bryan Cheng, and Ellen Zhang expanded the
initiative to Great Neck North High School, demonstrating sustained
leadership, civic responsibility, and a continued commitment to service
beyond a single event; and

WHEREAS, This historic accomplishment has been recognized locally as
a powerful example of youth-driven civic action and stands as a model of
how education, initiative, and compassion can create lasting community
impact; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Austin Jin, Bryan Cheng, and Ellen Zhang for their outstanding
leadership in organizing New York State's first-ever student-led bone
marrow registry drive, and to applaud their dedication to public
service, education, and saving lives; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Austin Jin, Bryan Cheng, and Ellen Zhang.