Senate Resolution No. 1951

BY: Senator RHOADS

HONORING Kayla Lederer upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the New York State
Citizenship Award

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor the young
adults of today, and leaders of tomorrow, whose character and
achievements best exemplify the ideals and values cherished by this
great State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Kayla Lederer upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
New York State Citizenship Award, to be recognized on May 19, 2026, at
East Meadow High School in East Meadow, New York; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Citizenship Award is bestowed upon
students who embody the highest principles of civic responsibility,
integrity, and dedication to the common good, serving as role models who
strengthen the fabric of their school communities through their actions,
leadership, and example; and

WHEREAS, True citizenship is demonstrated not only through academic
success, but through a steadfast commitment to service, ethical
leadership, respect for others, and an unwavering sense of
responsibility toward one's school and community; and

WHEREAS, Kayla Lederer has exemplified these ideals through her
consistent demonstration of respect, accountability, perseverance, and
compassion, reflecting the essential values of engaged and responsible
citizenship in both her academic and extracurricular pursuits; and

WHEREAS, As a student leader who understands the importance of civic
engagement within a school community, Kayla Lederer has embraced
opportunities to serve, lead, and contribute meaningfully to the shared
well-being of her peers; and

WHEREAS, Kayla Lederer has demonstrated a strong commitment to
student voice and school governance through her historic role as the
first student representative on her district's Board of Education, where
she exhibited maturity, insight, and a thoughtful approach to
representing the interests and perspectives of her fellow students; and

WHEREAS, In this capacity, Kayla Lederer has shown that citizenship
includes active participation in democratic processes, respectful
communication, and the willingness to engage in constructive dialogue
for the betterment of the school community; and

WHEREAS, Kayla Lederer further strengthened her record of civic
responsibility through her service as Class President from grades 9
through 11, where she worked to represent her classmates, foster school
spirit, and contribute to a positive and inclusive school climate
grounded in mutual respect and shared responsibility; and

WHEREAS, As a Peer Leader, Kayla Lederer has demonstrated the
importance of mentorship as a core element of citizenship by guiding
freshmen students, helping them navigate academic expectations, and
supporting their social and emotional adjustment to high school life;
and

WHEREAS, Through this mentorship role, Kayla Lederer has exemplified
the principle that citizenship involves uplifting others, fostering
belonging, and taking active responsibility for the success and
well-being of younger students within the school community; and

WHEREAS, Kayla Lederer's commitment to citizenship is further
reflected in her athletic leadership, where she has served as Captain of
the basketball team, leading by example through discipline, teamwork,
and perseverance while guiding her team to County and Long Island
championships; and

WHEREAS, As an All-Conference athlete in basketball, field hockey,
and lacrosse, Kayla Lederer has demonstrated that citizenship extends to
sportsmanship, integrity in competition, and respect for teammates,
opponents, and the rules of the game; and

WHEREAS, Kayla Lederer's involvement in Athletes Helping Athletes
further underscores her dedication to peer support and leadership
development, as she actively contributes to mentoring younger students
through shared athletic and personal experiences; and

WHEREAS, Graduating in the top 5% of her class, Kayla Lederer is an
AP Capstone Diploma recipient and AP Scholar with Distinction,
demonstrating that academic excellence and civic responsibility can work
in concert to prepare a student for meaningful leadership and service;
and

WHEREAS, Kayla Lederer balances her many responsibilities, including
academic achievement, leadership positions, athletic commitments, and a
part-time job, with resilience, discipline, and a strong sense of duty,
reflecting the everyday practice of responsible citizenship; and

WHEREAS, The essence of citizenship lies in the willingness to act
with integrity, to serve selflessly, to respect institutional
responsibilities, and to contribute positively to society, qualities
which Kayla Lederer has consistently demonstrated through both word and
deed; and

WHEREAS, Kayla Lederer's example affirms that citizenship is an
active and ongoing commitment, requiring engagement in school life,
participation in governance, dedication to community-building, and a
readiness to lead with fairness and purpose; and

WHEREAS, As Kayla Lederer looks forward to her next chapter, she is
poised to continue developing her leadership abilities, advancing her
academic pursuits, and contributing meaningfully to every community of
which she is a part; and

WHEREAS, Her record of service and leadership demonstrates that
responsible citizenship extends beyond individual achievement,
encompassing a lifelong dedication to contributing to the common good;
and


WHEREAS, Poised with a great sense of enthusiasm and purpose, Kayla
Lederer stands honorably, with just pride in her accomplishments and in
eager anticipation of future challenges, deeply appreciative of the
guidance and support provided by her teachers, mentors, coaches, and
parents; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Kayla Lederer upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the New York State Citizenship Award; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Kayla Lederer.