Senate Resolution No. 959

BY: Senator HARCKHAM

CONGRATULATING Aidan No upon the occasion of
capturing the 2025 National Collegiate Taekwondo
Association High School Championship, and
recognizing his athletic excellence, academic
achievement, and exemplary character

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor
student-athletes who distinguish themselves through outstanding
achievements in athletic competition, academic excellence, and exemplary
personal conduct; and

WHEREAS, Aidan No, a senior at Somers High School in Westchester
County, New York, won his second consecutive National Collegiate
Taekwondo Association (NCTA) High School Championship on April 13, 2025,
in Marlborough, Massachusetts; and

WHEREAS, Aidan No's journey to national success began with his 2024
championship win in Fort Worth, Texas, followed by months of disciplined
training and reflection, revealing a deep commitment to sustained
excellence rather than momentary victory; and

WHEREAS, His philosophy-"Motivation gets you started, but discipline
is what keeps you going"-is not only a mantra for success in sport but a
life principle that guided his return to national competition and shaped
his resilience in the face of setbacks; and

WHEREAS, Aidan No trains three days a week in Flushing, New York,
traveling long distances with the unwavering support of his parents, to
whom he credits his success, acknowledging their sacrifices, guidance,
and unconditional encouragement; and

WHEREAS, He faced adversity during the East Coast Grand Prix, where
electronic scoring challenges led to a semifinal exit and a third-place
finish-a result he candidly declared was "not good enough," using the
experience to fuel his renewed focus; and

WHEREAS, Overcoming self-doubt, Aidan No returned to the national
stage with a strong mindset, successfully avenging a regional loss in
the semifinals by strategically studying and countering his opponent's
patterns, winning by a decisive margin; and

WHEREAS, In the championship final, he once again faced a familiar
rival, rallying from a first-round loss to secure a gold medal with
impressive determination, ultimately winning the final two rounds 2-0
and 4-1; and

WHEREAS, Aidan No displayed exceptional sportsmanship by honoring
his coach and opponent after the win, demonstrating the humility and
respect that define his character; and

WHEREAS, Behind his achievements stand two strong parental figures:
his father, a Taekwondo instructor who provides disciplined mentorship,

and his mother, whom he describes as his "number one supporter" and a
source of unwavering positivity; and

WHEREAS, Aidan No has represented Somers High School and the larger
community with distinction and pride, earning his place among the
school's most accomplished student-athletes; and

WHEREAS, Beyond athletics, Aidan No has excelled academically and
will attend Stony Brook University in the fall of 2025 to pursue a
career in medicine, carrying forward the same values of persistence,
discipline, and hard work into his future profession; and

WHEREAS, Aidan No's accomplishments in Taekwondo, his academic
excellence, and his exemplary character stand as a source of inspiration
to his peers and community, and it is fitting to recognize him not only
for his achievements but also for the leadership, dedication, and
perseverance he continues to embody as he prepares for the next chapter
of his life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Aidan No upon the occasion of capturing the 2025 National
Collegiate Taekwondo Association High School Championship, to honor him
for his exceptional achievements in Taekwondo, his academic
accomplishments, and his personal integrity, and to commend him for
serving as a role model for youth across New York State; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Aidan No.