Senate Resolution No. 1831

BY: Senator MARTINS

COMMENDING Abby Podwall and Keshin Huang,
co-founders of SPARKS, for their dedicated service
to elementary students in their community

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to act in accord
with its long-standing traditions to honor the youth of today, the
leaders of tomorrow, whose character and achievements exemplify the
ideals and values cherished by this great State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, The character and richness of life in this noble Empire
State are nourished and fulfilled through the concern and selfless
dedication of those young people who commit their energies and purpose
to the enrichment of others; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes pleasure in commending Abby
Podwall and Keshin Huang, co-founders of SPARKS, for their dedicated
service to elementary students in their community; and

WHEREAS, In 2024, Abby Podwall and Keshin Huang, students at Great
Neck North High School, founded SPARKS (STEM Programs And Resources for
Kids by Students), a non-profit program which inspires elementary
students through hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics) learning experiences; partnering with Adventures in
Learning, the program offers engaging activities, led by high school
volunteers, to guide young learners; and

WHEREAS, The programs in SPARKS focus on hands-on learning,
mentorship, and inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders; every
student deserves access to the resources and opportunities that can
shape their future, and the program's volunteers are committed to making
that a reality; and

WHEREAS, The activities are carefully tailored to the young audience
while also teaching the students important problem-solving and
scientific thinking skills; some activities include exciting educational
experiments which captivate the children's curiosity and foster a
passion for STEM subjects; and

WHEREAS, Over the course of two years, SPARKS has organized more
than 40 STEM projects for underserved elementary-aged students in the
Great Neck, New York, area; the organization has reached approximately
70 volunteers and is beginning to open new chapters in New York State;
the program serves schools, community centers, and youth organizations
across the region; and

WHEREAS, To fund the program, SPARKS relies on creative and engaging
fundraising events; Abby Podwall and Keshin Huang are ambitious about
the future of SPARKS and hope to expand their program to more schools in
the district, reaching even more children and broadening their impact;
they believe that, with time, their efforts can inspire more students to
be passionate about STEM; and

WHEREAS, Although SPARKS is still in its early stages, it has
already made a meaningful impact on the local community; by fostering
curiosity and providing academic support, SPARKS helps children develop
their academic and personal potential; and

WHEREAS, The dedication of Abby Podwall, Keshin Huang, and their
team of volunteers shows that high school students can make a
significant difference in their communities; programs like SPARKS prove
that a passion for learning can inspire others and create lasting
change; they hope that SPARKS lights the way for these students to
explore their interests and discover a love for STEM; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that, when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, it is appropriate to publicly proclaim and commend those
individuals for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Abby Podwall and Keshin Huang, co-founders of SPARKS, for their
dedicated service to elementary students in their community; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Abby Podwall and Keshin Huang.