LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Minisink Valley senior wrestler
Josh Bonneau upon the occasion of his selection to represent Team New
York at the Disney Duals in Kissimmee, Florida

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes pleasure in honoring talented high
school athletes who distinguish themselves and their community through
outstanding athletic performance; and
WHEREAS, Athletic competition enhances the moral and physical develop-
ment of the young people of this State, preparing them for the future by
instilling in them the value of teamwork, encouraging a standard of
healthy living, imparting a desire for success and developing a sense of
fair play and competition; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
congratulate Minisink Valley senior wrestler Josh Bonneau upon the occa-
sion of his selection to represent Team New York at the Disney Duals in
Kissimmee, Florida, on Thursday, June 27, 2013; and
WHEREAS, Josh Bonneau of Minisink Valley High School is meritoriously
recognized for his wrestling achievements; his fourth-place state medal
at 220 pounds tied him for the seventh best finish in the school's
history, which spans more than 40 years; and
WHEREAS, Josh Bonneau's drive to improve every practice and every
match is an inspiring story in a sport that will be eliminated from the
Olympics after 2016; his life changed when Minisink Valley wrestling
coach Kevin Gallagher, also head of the school's football program,
persuaded him to participate in wrestling his junior year; and
WHEREAS, Coach Kevin Gallagher has converted football players into
average or slightly above-average wrestlers before, but none has taken
such gigantic steps in such a short period of time as Josh Bonneau; and
WHEREAS, Josh Bonneau is the poster child for Minisink Valley's
program right now, as he is fourth in the state, wrestling in an all-
star tournament, and is preparing to wrestle in college, all of which
has taken place in less than two years; and
WHEREAS, Earlier, Josh Bonneau competed in the Pinning Down Autism in
West Orange, New Jersey; he is only the second athlete to earn first-
team Varsity845 honors as a football player and wrestler; and
WHEREAS, A Section 9 champion, Josh Bonneau is participating in his
second major post season invite from Team New York; he will be attending
Nassau Community College which won its second straight junior college
title in February of 2013; in addition, he may play linebacker in foot-
ball for the college as well, where he compiled 79 tackles and 13 sacks
last fall; and
WHEREAS, Excellence and success in competitive sports can be achieved
only through strenuous practice; Josh Bonneau's dedication to wrestling
is a year-round, everyday commitment; he is highly focused and has
developed a matchless work ethic; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his parents, Vernon and Roset-
ta, and his brothers, Aaron, Quinnel and Vern, all of whom feel privi-
leged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Josh Bonneau's exemplary performance is reflective of his
dedication, determination and personal commitment; his achievements
stand as a hallmark of what is best in the families, schools and commu-
nities across New York State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Minisink Valley senior wrestler Josh Bonneau upon the occa-
sion of his selection to represent Team New York at the Disney Duals in

Kissimmee, Florida, and to commend him for the enduring honor he has
brought to his family, his school and his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Josh Bonneau.