LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring United States Chess Master Joshua Colas
for his outstanding national and international accomplishments in the
realm of chess

WHEREAS, It is the sense 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
United States Chess Master Joshua Colas for his outstanding national and
international accomplishments in the realm of chess; in December 2013 he
won the National Scholastic Chess Championships in the 10th Grade Divi-
sion in Orlando, Florida, capturing his sixth national title; and
WHEREAS, The middle son of Guy and Yanick Colas, Joshua Colas is a
sophomore at White Plains High School; he is currently the New York City
and New York State Chess Champion; and
WHEREAS, Joshua Colas became interested in chess at the age of seven
when his father took him to the World Open chess tournament in Phila-
delphia, Pennsylvania, and he saw many young children playing the game;
he soon got involved with "Chess-In-The-Schools"; and
WHEREAS, Joshua Colas participated in his first chess tournament in
October 2005 where the second-grade student finished 10 out of 23; by
the end of November 2006, he had completed his 100th recorded rated win;
and
WHEREAS, This impressive young man continued on his winning path; in
December 2008 he lead his elementary school team in winning the National
Team Championship in the 5th Grade Division, and tied for first place in
the K6 National Blitz Championships at Disney World; and
WHEREAS, In March 2009, Joshua Colas went undefeated and won the West-
chester County Chess Championship; he became a certified Chess Expert in
May of the same year when his rating surpassed 2000; and
WHEREAS, Joshua Colas's exceptional abilities led him to win the 2009
National Youth Championship in both the K9 section and the K12 Blitz
section; since 2009 he has been named to the All-American Scholastic
Chess Team annually; and
WHEREAS, Joshua Colas became a certified Chess Master in December
2010, the youngest African American Chess Master in history; and
WHEREAS, Upon winning the prestigious 2012 Susan Polgar World Open in
Chicago, Illinois, Joshua Colas was awarded a full scholarship to
Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri, the nation's top chess
college; and
WHEREAS, Joshua Colas has competed on the world stage, participating
in chess tournaments in Trinidad and Tobago, and Canada, and represent-
ing the United States as part of Team USA in Greece, Brazil, and Slove-
nia; in 2013, he qualified for the 2013 World Youth Chess Championship
in Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and
WHEREAS, Joshua Colas's commitment to excellence is without parallel;
awarded the title of Life Master by the United States Chess Federation
in 2012, he is determined to become the first American-born Black Chess
Grandmaster before he graduates from college; and
WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose, Joshua
Colas 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
honor United States Chess Master Joshua Colas for his outstanding
national and international accomplishments in the realm of chess, and to
wish him continued success throughout his school years and beyond; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Joshua Colas.