LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Syracuse Spelling Champion Alaina
Kenny for advancing to the Semifinal Round of the 2014 Scripps National
Spelling Bee

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize those
young people within our midst who, by achieving outstanding success in
educational competition, have inspired and brought pride to their commu-
nity and the entire State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Alaina Kenny upon the occasion of her advancement to the Semifinal
Round of the 2014 Scripps National Spelling Bee, held May 28-29, 2014,
at Gaylord National Resort at National Harbor in Maryland; and
WHEREAS, Alaina Kenny, a bright and talented 13-year-old eighth grader
at Onondaga Hill Middle School, won THE POST-STANDARD/WCNY Spelling Bee
in February, allowing her to represent the Syracuse area in the 2014
Scripps National Spelling Bee; it was her fourth year of competition in
the regional spelling bee, and she was among 281 winners of regional
spelling bees to compete at the national event; and
WHEREAS, Out of the original field of 281 spellers, Alaina Kenny was
among just 46 spellers to advance to the Semifinal Round of the Scripps
National Spelling Bee, becoming the first winner of THE
POST-STANDARD/WCNY Spelling Bee to go that far in the competition since
2006; and
WHEREAS, Alaina Kenny correctly spelled "organzine" and "funori" in
the two semifinal rounds to give her a perfect record of four words
spelled correctly on stage during the 2014 Scripps National Spelling
Bee; and
WHEREAS, The 2014 Scripps National Spelling Bee was broadcast nation-
wide on ESPN, and welcomed spellers from around the nation, and even the
world; the spellers ranged in age from 8-14 years old, and all were
vying for the esteemed title of champion; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the 2014 Scripps National Spelling Bee, Alaina
Kenny was supported by her proud parents, Patrick and Maria, and her
brother, Brian, as well as her community back home; and
WHEREAS, Alaina Kenny, in achieving this outstanding success, may take
just pride in the inspiration and contribution to the spirit of excel-
lence she brings to her family, friends, school, and region; and
WHEREAS, Poised with enthusiasm and determined purpose, Alaina Kenny
now stands honorably in eager anticipation of future challenges, under-
standing and appreciating the importance of hard work, focus and disci-
pline; and
WHEREAS, In addition to her spelling achievements, Alaina Kenny is a
talented student athlete, who has earned four varsity letters in track
and field events and logged more than 1,200 miles of running during the
2013-14 school year; she also plays the flute in her school's concert
band, piano in her school's jazz ensemble, and reads various books and
novels in her free time; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize Alaina Kenny upon the occasion of her advancement to the Semi-
final Round of the 2014 Scripps National Spelling Bee; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Alaina Kenny.