Senate Resolution No. 1953

BY: Senator RHOADS

HONORING Sarah Loiacono 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, conduct, and
achievements best exemplify the ideals of citizenship, responsibility,
and public service upon which this great State and Nation were founded;
and

WHEREAS, Citizenship is defined not only by rights and privileges,
but also by a solemn obligation to contribute to the common good, uphold
civic values, respect community institutions, and actively participate
in the strengthening of society through service and leadership; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Sarah Loiacono upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
New York State Citizenship Award; she will be recognized at a Senior
Awards Night event on Tuesday, June 2, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Sarah Loiacono, a senior at Division Avenue High School in
Levittown, New York, has distinguished herself as a student of
exceptional character, demonstrating integrity, responsibility, and a
steadfast commitment to her school and community; and

WHEREAS, A strong sense of citizenship is reflected in service to
others, and Sarah Loiacono has exemplified this principle through her
active leadership as secretary of the Key Club, where she has helped
coordinate volunteer initiatives that directly benefit her school and
surrounding community; and

WHEREAS, Further demonstrating her commitment to civic engagement,
Sarah Loiacono has devoted her time to mentoring younger students
through the Big Dragons/Little Dragons Program, fostering guidance,
encouragement, and academic support that strengthens the educational
foundation of future generations; and

WHEREAS, Sarah Loiacono has also represented Division Avenue High
School at local Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis Club meetings,
participating in community dialogue and demonstrating an understanding
of the importance of civic organizations in promoting service,
leadership, and community improvement; and

WHEREAS, Citizenship is strengthened through the development of
personal talents in service of others, and Sarah Loiacono, as a talented
vocalist recognized with All County honors and membership in the Tri-M
Honor Society, has contributed to the cultural life of her school
community while maintaining high standards of excellence; and

WHEREAS, Academically, Sarah Loiacono has pursued a rigorous course
of study at Division Avenue High School, maintaining an impressive

weighted GPA of 101.3501, reflecting her discipline, perseverance, and
commitment to academic achievement as a foundation for future civic
contribution; and

WHEREAS, True citizenship is further demonstrated through compassion
in action, and Sarah Loiacono has exemplified this through her
leadership in a student-run campaign for the Leukemia & Lymphoma
Society, inspired by her aunt's diagnosis, through which she
successfully helped raise nearly $29,000; and

WHEREAS, Through this initiative, Sarah Loiacono not only supported
an important cause, but also mobilized her peers, fostered collective
responsibility, and demonstrated the power of youth leadership in
addressing real-world challenges with determination and purpose; and

WHEREAS, The qualities of initiative, perseverance, and civic
responsibility demonstrated by Sarah Loiacono have earned her
recognition as a "Student Visionary of the Year" candidate, an honor
reflecting her ability to lead with purpose and to positively impact the
lives of others through meaningful action; and

WHEREAS, Citizenship also requires preparation for future service
and continued engagement, and Sarah Loiacono, as she advances toward the
next chapter of her life, is well positioned to carry forward the values
of leadership, responsibility, and community involvement that she has
already so clearly demonstrated; and

WHEREAS, Poised with a great sense of purpose and determination,
this scholar now stands honorably, with just pride in her
accomplishments and in eager anticipation of future challenges, having
benefited from the guidance, encouragement, and support of her teachers,
mentors, family, and community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Sarah Loiacono upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the New York State Citizenship Award, recognizing her outstanding
commitment to civic responsibility, leadership, and service; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Sarah Loiacono.