Senate Resolution No. 531

BY: Senator MARTINS

CONGRATULATING students from Chaminade High School
upon the occasion of achieving the Top Prize at The
Feinstein Institutes For Medical Research's 13th
Annual "Medical Marvels" STEM research competition

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend and
pay tribute to those young people who, by achieving outstanding success
in educational competition, have inspired and brought pride to our
majestic Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate students from Chaminade High School upon the occasion of
achieving the Top Prize at The Feinstein Institutes For Medical
Research's 13th Annual "Medical Marvels" STEM research competition on
Friday, February 28, 2025; and

WHEREAS, More than 180 freshmen and sophomores from Long Island and
New York City entered the 13th Annual "Medical Marvels" STEM research
competition by submitting research papers and presentations focused on
ways to better educate others on the effects of social media use and
mental health; this esteemed research competition was hosted by
Northwell Health's The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and
Career Services; and

WHEREAS, For this year's competition, students from 33 schools were
tasked with making recommendations for a hypothetical scenario in which
a local councilman seeks solutions to lessen the negative impact of
social media on adolescent mental health; the goal is to decrease social
media usage and improve mental health by promoting in-person social
interactions and educating others about the negative effects of
excessive screen time; and

WHEREAS, The teams demonstrated exceptional scientific rigor by
submitting a research paper addressing key considerations, including
proposed solutions and methods for measuring success, as well as created
and presented scientific posters which detailed their proposals and
findings; and

WHEREAS, A distinguished panel of scientists, clinicians, and
healthcare administrators evaluated the submissions and presentations
using a standardized five-point scoring rubric, assessing qualities such
as innovation, clarity, methodological approach, and effectiveness in
measuring success; and

WHEREAS, The winning students from Chaminade High School,
Christopher Covelli, Andrew Dargento, Luke Krinsky, Ty Miranda, and
Mateo Solis, proposed a comprehensive plan that addresses the negative
mental health effects of excessive social media use among adolescents
through community engagement, an app called "MediaMindful," and other
educational initiatives; and

WHEREAS, The conceptual app, "MediaMindful," was designed by the
winning team to combat social media with an alternative version of
social media of their own design; the app which they refer to as "buddy
bot" was coded by team member Christopher Covelli who has been coding
since age 10; and

WHEREAS, The designed app is a system which operates like common
messaging technology and can identify over 400 keywords which, in turn,
trigger built-in responses, ultimately helping to target negative social
media-related mental health concerns, offering helpful suggestions,
words of affirmation, and various other positive replies; and

WHEREAS, These five students, in an impressive display of hard work,
scientific research, teamwork, and innovation, conquered the challenge
laid before them and have undoubtedly left their mark on the field of
technological research for the betterment of their fellow citizens and
youth, and deserve to be commended and applauded by all residents of
this great State; and

WHEREAS, With their imbued sense of civic duty and passionate
commitment to the betterment of others, these five students, Christopher
Covelli, Andrew Dargento, Luke Krinsky, Ty Miranda, and Mateo Solis,
exemplify the fullest development of the potential inherent in our most
precious resource--our youth; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate students from Chaminade High School upon the occasion of
achieving the Top Prize at The Feinstein Institutes For Medical
Research's 13th Annual "Medical Marvels" STEM research competition; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Christopher Covelli, Andrew Dargento, Luke Krinsky, Ty
Miranda, and Mateo Solis.