Senate Resolution No. 2027

BY: Senator RHOADS

HONORING Lucas Rich upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the New York State
Citizenship Award on May 28, 2026

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
Lucas Rich upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the New
York State Citizenship Award, to be recognized on May 28, 2026, at John
F. Kennedy High School in Bellmore, New York; and

WHEREAS, Citizenship is not merely a title, but a sustained
commitment to participation, responsibility, and service; it is
demonstrated through respect for others, engagement in community life,
and the willingness to contribute thoughtfully and constructively to the
common good; and

WHEREAS, Lucas Rich has consistently exemplified the highest
standards of citizenship through his actions, demonstrating integrity,
accountability, and a sincere respect for the institutions and
communities of which he is a part; and

WHEREAS, Remarkable, respectful, and self-motivated are the first
attributes that come to mind when describing Lucas Rich; his dedication,
leadership, and civic engagement have shone brightly across his school
community, setting a standard for his peers; and

WHEREAS, His involvement in student government, where he has served
as both Senator and Secretary, reflects not only his leadership
potential but also his commitment to representing the voices and
interests of others with fairness and responsibility; and

WHEREAS, Through these roles, Lucas Rich has demonstrated a clear
understanding of civic duty, actively participating in decision-making
processes, fostering collaboration, and contributing to a positive and
productive school environment; and

WHEREAS, As a first seat trumpet player in the wind ensemble, Lucas
Rich has distinguished himself through discipline and dedication, using
his musical talents to enrich the cultural life of his school while
serving as a role model for excellence and perseverance; and

WHEREAS, Beyond his achievements in academics and the arts, Lucas
Rich has shown a deep commitment to civic engagement through his
participation in civic action projects and local committees, where he
has worked to strengthen community awareness and encourage meaningful
dialogue; and

WHEREAS, His efforts reflect a genuine understanding that
responsible citizenship involves both awareness of community needs and a
willingness to take initiative in addressing them; and

WHEREAS, Lucas Rich's journey from a quiet freshman to a confident
and engaged leader is a testament to his character, as he has
intentionally challenged himself to grow, contribute, and lead with
purpose; and

WHEREAS, His development demonstrates that citizenship is cultivated
through experience, reflection, and the courage to step forward in
service to others; and

WHEREAS, Lucas Rich's aspirations to pursue higher education further
underscore his intellectual curiosity and his commitment to applying
knowledge in ways that will benefit society, reflecting the values of
lifelong learning and informed participation; and

WHEREAS, In Lucas Rich, one finds a student who is ambitious and
dedicated, yet equally grounded in compassion, resilience, and a strong
sense of responsibility to others, qualities which embody the very
essence of exemplary citizenship; and

WHEREAS, His actions and achievements serve as an inspiring example
of how young individuals can meaningfully contribute to their
communities while preparing to take on the responsibilities of active
and engaged citizenship in the broader society; and

WHEREAS, Poised with a strong sense of purpose and responsibility,
this scholar now stands honorably, with just pride in his
accomplishments and in eager anticipation of future challenges,
understanding and appreciating the guidance and support provided by his
teachers, mentors, family, and community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Lucas Rich upon the occasion of his 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 Lucas Rich.