LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Jairam Hathwar upon the occasion
of being crowned Co-Champion of the 2016 Scripps National Spelling Bee
Championship on May 26, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend and pay
tribute to those young people who, by achieving outstanding success in
educational competition, have inspired and brought pride to our majestic
Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Jairam Hathwar upon the occasion of being crowned Co-Champion of
the 2016 Scripps National Spelling Bee Championship on Thursday, May 26,
2016, in National Harbor, Maryland; and
WHEREAS, Jairam Hathwar, a 13-year-old from Painted Post, New York, is
a seventh grade student at the Alternative School for Math and Science
in Corning, New York; sponsored by the Corning Rotary Club, he is the
son of Jagadeesh and Roopa Hathwar; and
WHEREAS, The 2016 Scripps National Spelling Bee was broadcast nation-
wide on ESPN, and welcomed 285 spellers from around the world; the spel-
lers ranged in age from 8-14 years old, and were all vying for the
esteemed title of champion; and
WHEREAS, Jairam Hathwar was among 10 finalists in the Scripps National
Spelling Bee's Championship rounds; by 9:30 p.m., he was one of four,
which guaranteed him a monetary prize; all four competitors continued
through another three rounds without faltering; and
WHEREAS, After 17 rounds, it was finally down to two spellers, Jairam
Hathwar and Nihar Janga who have become close friends; Jairam spelled
"achalasia," then "ripieno'' and "lerot'' as the marathon two speller
face-off heated up; finally in round 23, each student spelled their two
words correctly, and they were consequently, declared Co-Champions; and
WHEREAS, When he is not spelling words, Jairam Hathwar enjoys playing
golf and was inspired by his favorite golf player, Jordan Spieth, to
work hard and practice diligently for the famous Spelling Bee; the 2015
Masters and U.S. Open Winner invited an elated Jairam to come watch him
play at Bethpage Black in the Barclays Tournament from August 25-28,
2016; and
WHEREAS, Jairam Hathwar, in achieving this high honor, may take just
pride in the inspiration and contribution to the spirit of excellence he
brings to his family, friends, school and region; and
WHEREAS, Educational competitions which serve to better prepare our
students for their future participation in the marketplace of ideas are
worthy of praise and support; and
WHEREAS, Poised with enthusiasm and determined purpose, this scholar
now stands honorably, in eager anticipation of future challenges, under-
standing and appreciating the caring counsel and support provided by his
teachers and parents; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Jairam Hathwar upon the occasion of being crowned Co-Cham-
pion of the 2016 Scripps National Spelling Bee Championship on May 26,
2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Jairam Hathwar.