LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Steven Tsai upon the occasion of his
designation as New York State Champion of the Poetry Out Loud recitation
contest

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body recognizes the importance of the perform-
ing arts, which act to inspire, enlighten, and unify people from all
cultural backgrounds through the transcendent power of human expression;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those young people within the great Empire State who have
made strong contributions to their communities and who serve as role
models for their peers; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Steven Tsai, a senior at Wellington C. Mepham High School in North Bell-
more, New York, upon the occasion of his designation as New York State
Champion of the Poetry Out Loud recitation contest coordinated by The
Poetry Foundation and The National Endowment for the Arts in March of
2011; and
WHEREAS, Steven Tsai remarkably beat 15 students to become the winner
of Poetry Out Loud for New York State; to reach the state level, he won
first place in poetry recitation contests at both the school and
regional levels; and
WHEREAS, With a strong voice and incredible pronunciation, Steven Tsai
was able to truly express the essence of the poetry; the poems he chose
to perform were T.S. Eliot's "La Figlia Che Piange", John Donne's "A
Valediction Forbidding Mourning" and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "A
Psalm of Life"; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to act, in accord
with its long-standing traditions, honoring the youth 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, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose, this
artist and scholar now stands honorably, with just pride in his accom-
plishments and in eager anticipation of future challenges, understanding
and appreciating the caring counsel and support provided by his teach-
ers, coaches and parents; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Steven Tsai upon the occasion of his designation as New York State
Champion of the Poetry Out Loud recitation contest; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Steven Tsai.