LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Priyanka Wadgaonkar, JiaWen Pei, and
Zainab Mahmood, upon the occasion of capturing the top team prize in the
prestigious 2013 Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Priyanka Wadgaonkar, JiaWen Pei, and Zainab Mahmood upon the occasion of
capturing the top team prize in the prestigious Siemens Competition in
Math, Science and Technology; and
WHEREAS, Seniors at George W. Hewlett High School in Hewlett, New
York, Priyanka Wadgaonkar, JiaWen Pei, and Zainab Mahmood conducted
their award-winning research in the school's science lab, under the
guidance of teacher Terrence Bissoondial; and
WHEREAS, These three exceptional scholars will share a scholarship for
their research project, which found that plants with multiple copies of
a gene that helps with ozone tolerance are more resistant to environ-
mental impacts, findings which have tremendous implications for agricul-
ture; and
WHEREAS, Priyanka Wadgaonkar, JiaWen Pei, and Zainab Mahmood bested
more than 2,440 of the nation's most talented high school students to
claim the grand prize; in addition to their outstanding research, these
young scientists were also noted by competition judges for their remark-
able levels of cooperation, dedication and passion to achieve; and
WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose,
Priyanka Wadgaonkar, JiaWen Pei, and Zainab Mahmood now stand honorably,
with just pride in their accomplishments and in eager anticipation of
future challenges, understanding and appreciating the caring counsel and
support provided by their teachers, mentors, and parents; and
WHEREAS, Young women of singular distinction and superlative ability,
Priyanka Wadgaonkar, JiaWen Pei, and Zainab Mahmood represent the best
development of the potential which is inherent in our most precious
resource, our youth; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when young
people of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Priyanka Wadgaonkar, JiaWen Pei, and Zainab Mahmood upon the occa-
sion of capturing the top team prize at the 2013 Siemens Competition in
Math, Science and Technology, and to wish them success in all of their
future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Priyanka Wadgaonkar, JiaWen Pei, and Zainab Mahmood.