LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating student-athlete Zola Golden upon
the occasion of capturing the 400-meter Championship at the New Balance
Outdoor Nationals

WHEREAS, Excellence and success in competitive sports can be achieved
only through strenuous practice, team play and team spirit, nurtured by
dedicated coaching and strategic planning; 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, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those young people within the State of New York who, by
achieving outstanding success in athletic competition, have inspired and
brought pride to their school and community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late student-athlete Zola Golden upon the occasion of capturing the
400-meter Championship at the New Balance Outdoor Nationals in Greens-
boro, North Carolina on Sunday, June 15, 2014; and
WHEREAS, The New Balance Outdoor Nationals is the most prestigious
post-season track and field championships for high school athletes and
is the showcase for America's best elite and emerging high school
talent; and
WHEREAS, Zola Golden, a junior at Arlington High School, took first
place at the New Balance Outdoor Nationals with a time of 53.22 seconds
to win the 400-meter Championship; and
WHEREAS, By winning this tremendous event, Zola Golden has earned
herself All-American honors; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed young woman also captured the New York State
Public High School and Federation Championships in the 400-meters at
Cicero-North Syracuse the previous weekend; and
WHEREAS, Zola Golden ran her best time of 52.82 seconds at the 47th
Annual Glenn D. Loucks Games in White Plains; with this mark, she set a
Section I record, and was ranked No. 2 in the nation; and
WHEREAS, Zola Golden's overall record is outstanding; she was loyally
and enthusiastically supported by family, fans, friends and the communi-
ty at large; and
WHEREAS, Sports competition instills the values of teamwork, pride and
accomplishment, and Zola Golden has clearly made a contribution to the
spirit of excellence which is a tradition of her school; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Zola Golden upon the occasion of capturing the 400-meter
Championship at the New Balance Outdoor Nationals; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Zola Golden.