LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating James Gunkel from Sacred Heart
School upon the occasion of receiving a Top Ranking in the 2009 National
History Day competition

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend and pay
tribute to those young people who have inspired and brought pride to our
majestic Empire State by achieving outstanding success in educational
competition; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late James Gunkel from Sacred Heart School upon the occasion of receiv-
ing a Top Ranking in the 2009 National History Day competition; and
WHEREAS, On May 1, 2009, James Gunkel, an eighth grader, along with
424 students from across New York State traveled to Cooperstown to take
part in New York State History Day; and
WHEREAS, National History Day, a federally recognized educational
program sponsored in New York by the New York State Historical Associ-
ation, encourages students grades six-12 to explore local, state,
national and world history; after selecting a historical topic that
relates to an annual theme, students conduct extensive research by using
libraries, archives and museums, and oral history interviews; they also
analyze and interpret their findings, draw conclusions about their
topics' significance in history, and create final projects that present
their work; and
WHEREAS, These particular projects which include historical papers,
documentaries, performances, tabletop exhibits, and websites can be
entered into a series of competitions, from the local to the national
level, where they are evaluated by professional historians and educa-
tors; in order to participate in the state contest, students achieved
top scores at earlier school and regional contests; and
WHEREAS, James Gunkel and classmate Neil Carousso, won third place for
their Junior Group Documentary, "Jacob Riis - Muckraker Photojournal-
ist"; and
WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose, James
Gunkel now stands honorably, with just pride in his accomplishments and
in eager anticipation of future challenges, understanding and appreciat-
ing the caring counsel and support provided by his teachers, coaches and
parents; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate James Gunkel from Sacred Heart School upon the occasion of
receiving a Top Ranking in the 2009 National History Day competition,
and offer him its best wishes for a future of purposeful success and
well-being; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to James Gunkel.