LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Morgan Hanel and Luis Costa upon the
occasion of their designation as recipients of the Nassau County Phys-
ical Education Student of the Year Award

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes pleasure in honoring talented high
school athletes who distinguish themselves and their community through
outstanding academic and 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Morgan Hanel
and Luis Costa upon the occasion of their designation as recipients of
the Nassau County Physical Education Student of the Year Award; this
momentous occasion, sponsored by the Nassau Zone of the New York State
Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, was
celebrated at an Awards Banquet in December of 2014, at Crest Hollow
Country Club, Woodbury, New York; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious award is given to two high school seniors
from Nassau County who exhibit exceptional performance in physical
education, scholarship, leadership qualities and service to their school
community; and
WHEREAS, Morgan Hanel and Luis Costa are dynamic young adults with
boundless energy and a wide range of interests; they have demonstrated
commitment to the East Williston School District through their actions
and have made a most positive contribution with their time in the
district; and
WHEREAS, Morgan Hanel has been an exceptional student throughout her
high school years, with a 4.1 weighted grade point average; as a phys-
ical education student, her skill development and attitude have been
exemplary; and
WHEREAS, Maintaining a high profile in a variety of school and commu-
nity programs, Morgan Hanel is a member of the Wheatley Welcomers, Peer
Leaders, CSI Challenge/Forensic Competition, Spanish Club, C.A.R.E Club
and Student Government where she is President; and
WHEREAS, Active within her community, Morgan Hanel volunteers at
Winthrop University Hospital and shares her considerable talents to
serve the needs of others as a food preparer at the Ronald McDonald
House; and
WHEREAS, Morgan Hanel is currently enrolled in six AP courses, is an
AP Scholar with Honors, and has been inducted into the National Honor
Society and National Foreign Language Honor Society; in addition, she
has received honorable mention recognition on the National Spanish Exam;
and
WHEREAS, A four-sport athlete, Morgan Hanel participates in cross
country, winter track, lacrosse and track and field; she is also captain
of both the winter track and lacrosse teams, and has received All-County
Honors in cross country, track and lacrosse; and
WHEREAS, While pursuing a highly competitive academic program, Luis
Costa has achieved a 3.97 weighted grade point average; in the physical
education setting, he participates with enthusiasm, is considered a
leader among his peers and has achieved an outstanding record of accom-
plishment throughout his high school years; and
WHEREAS, Luis Costa is a three-year starter and captain on the
Wheatley/Carle Place football team, the Wheatley lacrosse team and

played basketball for two years; he has received All-County Honors in
both football and lacrosse; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his involvement in Wheatley athletics, Luis
Costa has pursued and committed himself to helping others as a peer
tutor; and
WHEREAS, Currently enrolled in five AP courses, Luis Costa is a member
of the National Honor Society, the National French Honor Society and is
an AP Scholar with Distinction; he has been a member and volunteer for
the Key Club, the Day of Service and Learning and Peer Tutoring; and
WHEREAS, Luis Costa's commitment to The Wheatley School does not end
in June, as he has served the district as a summer worker; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, as a senior, Luis Costa leaped into a new venue,
becoming a member of the Wheatley Theatre Company; his efforts landed
him the role of George Gibbs in "Our Town", the highly acclaimed Wheat-
ley School presentation; and
WHEREAS, Athletically and academically, Morgan Hanel and Luis Costa
have proven themselves to be an unbeatable combination of talents,
reflecting favorably on their school; and
WHEREAS, With their sense of civic duty and commitment to others,
Morgan Hanel and Luis Costa represent the best development of the poten-
tial which is inherent in our most precious resource, our youth; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Morgan Hanel and Luis Costa upon the occasion of their designation
as recipients of the Nassau County Physical Education Student of the
Year Award; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Morgan Hanel and Luis Costa.