LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 4th Annual Turkish Day cele-
bration in Albany on May 27, 2009, and applauding the Brooklyn Amity
School students who will be honored during the celebration

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commemorate events of significance which add strength, vigor, and inspi-
ration to the cultural diversity and quality of life in the communities
of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 4th Annual Turkish Day celebration in Albany on May 27, 2009,
and to commend the Turkish Cultural Centers throughout New York State
and the Brooklyn Amity School students who will be honored during the
celebration; and
WHEREAS, The 4th Annual Turkish Day will be held in the Well of the
Legislative Office Building on Wednesday, May 27, 2009; the 11 Turkish
Cultural Centers across New York State are to be commended for hosting
the event this year and for their many other activities and worthy
endeavors dedicated to educating and informing the public about Turkey
and Turkish culture and history and to establishing bridges of under-
standing and respect among people of diverse cultures and heritages; and
WHEREAS, It always gives this Legislative Body great pleasure, as
well, to recognize and commend young people who, by achieving outstand-
ing success in educational competitions inspire and bring pride to their
school and community and to our great State; and
WHEREAS, Such competitions, dedicated to making science, math, engi-
neering, and technology as appealing as sports, help prepare students
for their future and are worthy of praise and support; and
WHEREAS, The students of Brooklyn Amity School, established by Turk-
ish-American businessmen in 1999, have compiled a distinguished record
of success in academic competitions, including the Science Olympiad,
Mathcounts, the Regional Science Olympiad, the Turkish Olympiad, and the
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robot-
ics Competition; and
WHEREAS, The Legislative Body is pleased to have the opportunity to
honor and congratulate the members of Brooklyn Amity School's Robotics
and Turkish Olympiad Teams during this year's Turkish Day celebration
and to welcome them to the State Capitol in Albany; and
WHEREAS, The outstanding students being honored include Robotics Team
members: Serra Akyuz, Shahin Alirkan, Ali Can, Cihan Cansever, Cihat
Cansever, Merve Gecir, Nihan Gencerliler, Fatma Gursoy, Nihal Gursoy,
Elif Kucukdilli, Yiming Kudelaitijiang, Nikolai Lue and Alp Uygan, and
Turkish Olympiad Team members: Ahria Bakharia-Ifill, Hatice Baytar,
Cheyenne Brizan, Henry Derek, Teneane Hamil, Sema Kocak and Fabiola
Pierre, all of whom stand with just pride in their accomplishments and
in eager anticipation of future challenges; and
WHEREAS, Turkish Day 2009 provides an opportunity to honor these
students and to celebrate the rich history and heritage of the Turkish
people and to proudly memorialize the contributions of Turkish-Americans
to the spirit of diversity and excellence which so distinguishes the
Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 4th Annual Turkish Day celebration in Albany on May 27,
2009, and to commend the Turkish Cultural Centers throughout New York
State and the Brooklyn Amity School students who are being honored
during the celebration; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Turkish Cultural Centers and to The Brooklyn Amity
School.