Senate Resolution No. 1534

BY: Senator PARKER

HONORING the Schenectady Belmont Pop Warner
Footall Program upon winning the regional
championship and achieving a top five national
championship finish

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend youth athletic organizations whose commitment to discipline,
teamwork, and character development strengthens communities and provides
young people with pathways to excellence, leadership, and lifelong
success; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
the Schenectady Belmont Pop Warner Football Program upon the occasion of
winning its regional championship during the 2025 season, culminating on
Tuesday, December 9, 2025, and advancing to national competition, where
the team distinguished itself by finishing fifth in the nation, an
extraordinary achievement reflecting perseverance, preparation, and
collective effort; and

WHEREAS, Schenectady Belmont Pop Warner has long served as a
cornerstone of youth development in the City of Schenectady, providing
generations of young athletes with a safe, structured, and values-based
environment that emphasizes sportsmanship, academic responsibility, and
personal growth alongside athletic excellence; and

WHEREAS, The enduring success and integrity of the Schenectady
Belmont Pop Warner program are rooted in the visionary leadership and
selfless service of its founder and longtime president, George A. Rose,
whose more than fifty years of dedication helped inspire and mentor
thousands of young people, leaving an indelible legacy of community
uplift, opportunity, and hope that continues to guide the program
following his passing in 2023; and

WHEREAS, The 2025 championship season was made possible through the
tireless commitment, guidance, and mentorship of the program's coaches
and staff-William Kent, Sean Kent, Garry Murray, Edward Rucker, Kawaun
Wiggins, Nahvasia Estepa, and Sarah Bailey-whose leadership fostered
discipline, teamwork, resilience, and belief in every athlete under
their care; and

WHEREAS, This remarkable achievement reflects the determination,
talent, and unity of the Belmont Pop Warner players, including Yuriah
Bailey, Elias Bowen, Dominic Coleman, Brian Custodio, Javonni Dobbs,
JaDon Ferguson, Ah'nyai Graves, Kian Henry, Messiah Hicks, Termaine
Holloway Jr., Aiden Jenkins, Kobe Jenkins, Chaz Johnson, Dominic Jones,
Xaiden Jones, Chase Lewis, Gauntlett Lewis, Nathan Mayer, Quemahji
Murray, Sergino Newton, Damian Rucker, Jaycion Sanchez, Alaun Smith,
Dumar Smith Jr., Amaree Spencer, Luis Tapia, and Josiah Womack, whose
hard work and sportsmanship brought pride to their families, coaches,
and community; and

WHEREAS, By securing a regional championship title and earning a
top-five national finish, Schenectady Belmont Pop Warner has
demonstrated the power of community-based youth athletics to cultivate
confidence, leadership, and excellence, while honoring a legacy built on
service, mentorship, and belief in the potential of every child; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the Schenectady Belmont Pop Warner Football Program upon winning
its regional championship during the 2025 season and achieving a
fifth-place finish at the national level, and to commend its players,
coaches, staff, families, and supporters for an outstanding season and
exemplary representation of their community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Schenectady Belmont Pop Warner Football Program as an
expression of the highest esteem and appreciation of this Legislative
Body.