Senate Resolution No. 2151

BY: Senator RHOADS

HONORING KaiLee Smith 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
KaiLee Smith upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
New York State Citizenship Award, to be celebrated at a ceremony on
Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Farmingdale High School; 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 communities through their actions and
example; and

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

WHEREAS, KaiLee Smith has exemplified these ideals through her
consistent demonstration of respect, accountability, and compassion,
reflecting the core values of engaged and responsible citizenship; and

WHEREAS, KaiLee Smith is an intelligent, driven, and compassionate
scholar, student athlete, and leader in her senior year at Farmingdale
High School in Farmingdale, New York; and

WHEREAS, At Farmingdale High School, KaiLee Smith has pushed herself
academically with her coursework, taking both Advanced Placement courses
and college-level courses, including AP Research, AP World History,
College Economics, College Calculus, and College Human Biology; despite
her heavy courseload, this remarkable scholar has maintained a GPA of
4.0; and

WHEREAS, KaiLee Smith's impressive academic record has earned her
membership in several honor societies, including National Honor Society,
Spanish National Honor Society, and Science National Honor Society; and

WHEREAS, Outside of the classroom, KaiLee Smith has been an athlete
on several Farmingdale High School varsity teams, including the cross
country team and winter track and field team since freshman year, and
the lacrosse team since sophomore year; KaiLee Smith's impressive
sportsmanship and leadership skills have earned her the role of captain
on all three teams; and

WHEREAS, Filled with a desire to stay involved, KaiLee Smith is a
member of several clubs and organizations at Farmingdale High School,

including the Varsity Leaders Club, Student Activities Club, Student
Council Class of 2026, and P.A.W.S. Club; each of these organizations
have given KaiLee Smith valuable experience in event planning, community
engagement, and fundraising; and

WHEREAS, A proven leader and role model, this extraordinary young
woman is being recognized not only for her academic and extracurricular
achievement, but also for the profound impact she has had on Farmingdale
High School and her local community; and

WHEREAS, KaiLee Smith has a passion for giving back to her
community, and she volunteers through programs with Make "Cents" Out of
Breast Cancer, the Triple P Program, Inspiration Day, and Kids Need
More; and

WHEREAS, Make "Cents" Out of Breast Cancer is a program that was
created in honor of KaiLee Smith's mother's survivorship against stage
III breast cancer; as liaison for this organization, KaiLee Smith has
successfully led and organized "Pink Out Day" events throughout
Farmingdale School District, increased community participation from 400
individuals to 5,000, and assisted in raising over $90,000 for the
organization, which has been donated to the Breast Cancer Research
Foundation; and

WHEREAS, To gain real-world experience, KaiLee Smith has worked at
Ralph's Famous Italian Ices in Farmingdale, New York, and has worked
independently as a babysitter and lacrosse coach, where she gets to work
with young kids through fun, engaging, and safe activities; and

WHEREAS, The experience that KaiLee Smith has gathered throughout
her time at Farmingdale High School has shaped her to be a well-rounded
and accomplished individual; her commitments and desire to involve
herself throughout her community have rightfully earned her the New York
State Citizenship Award; and

WHEREAS, As KaiLee Smith looks forward to her next chapter, she is
sure to continue fostering her leadership skills, advancing her
achievements, and making a difference in her community; and

WHEREAS, Her example affirms that responsible citizenship is a
lifelong endeavor, one that extends beyond the classroom and into every
aspect of personal and professional life; and

WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and purposeful
determination, this scholar now stands honorably, with just pride in her
accomplishments and in eager anticipation of future challenges,
understanding and appreciating the caring counsel and support provided
by her teachers, mentors, and parents; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor KaiLee Smith 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 KaiLee Smith.