LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the Columbia High School Science Olym-
piad Team upon the occasion of winning the New York State Science Olym-
piad Competition

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend and pay
tribute to those who, by achieving outstanding success in their educa-
tional and scientific endeavors, have inspired and brought pride to our
majestic Empire State; and
WHEREAS, It is also the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize
the dedication and commitment of our young people who distinguish them-
selves through excellence in science competition; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the
Columbia High School Science Olympiad Team upon the occasion of winning
the New York State Science Olympiad Competition on Saturday, March 14 at
LeMoyne College in Syracuse, New York, advancing them to the National
Championship to be held May 15-16, 2015, at the University of Nebraska;
and
WHEREAS, Prior to winning the State Competition, the Columbia High
School Science Olympiad Team captured the Regional Championship on
February 7, 2015, at The College of Saint Rose, marking the 22nd time in
the last 23 years the team has taken home the regional championship; and
WHEREAS, The Columbia High School Science Olympiad Team members
include: Danielle Allen, Avery Ball, Parth Bhide, Eric Chen, Katelin
Grifferty, Peter Herrick, Katie Hutton, Evan Iler, Hailey Konisky, Will
LaHera, Timothy MacDonald, Tucker McKeown, Caitlin Muir, Matthew VanAuk-
en, Sarina Xin, and Yang Yang; and
WHEREAS, The Science Olympiad is a national non-profit organization
dedicated to improving the quality of K-12 science education, increasing
male, female and minority interest in science, creating a technological-
ly-literate workforce and providing for recognition for outstanding
achievement by both students and teachers; these goals are achieved by
participating in Science Olympiad tournaments and non-competitive
events, incorporating Science Olympiad into classroom curriculum and
attending teacher training institutes; and
WHEREAS, The Science Olympiad mission is to promote and improve
student interest in science and to improve the quality of Kindergarten
through grade 12 science education throughout the Nation; and
WHEREAS, The vision of the Science Olympiad is to: create a passion
for learning science by supporting elementary and secondary Science
Olympiad tournaments at building, district, county, state and national
levels with an emphasis on teamwork and a commitment to excellence;
improve the quality of K-12 science education throughout the Nation by
changing the way science is perceived and the way it is taught, with an
emphasis on problem solving and hands-on, minds-on, constructivist
learning practices; celebrate and recognize the outstanding achievement
of both students and teachers in the areas of science and technology;
and promote partnerships among community, businesses, industry, govern-
ment and education; and
WHEREAS, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) is becoming
an exceedingly popular and driving field in New York's economy and
Science Olympiad programs are influential in preparing students to be
leaders in STEM and at the forefront of emerging science and technology;
and
WHEREAS, Head Coach Diana Prout and Assistant Coaches Darleen Morgan
and Bruce Palmer guided their team with exemplary wisdom, ingenuity,
courage and knowledge and should be commended for their dedication to

the Science Olympiad program and improving the prestige of Columbia High
School; and
WHEREAS, It is appropriate to celebrate the educational and scientific
accomplishments of remarkable schools such as the East Greenbush School
District, and its students, coaches and teachers; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the Columbia High School Science Olympiad Team upon the occasion
of winning the New York State Science Olympiad Competition; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the members of the Columbia High School Science Olympiad
Team, Head Coach Diana Prout, and Assistant Coaches Darleen Morgan and
Bruce Palmer.