Senate Resolution No. 1161

BY: Senator KAMINSKY

COMMENDING John Rigazio for his extraordinary
efforts to support and raise funds for autism
awareness and research on June 10, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those young people within the great Empire State who
devote their energy, resources and thoughtful care to improving the
quality of life in their communities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend John Rigazio for his extraordinary efforts to support and raise
funds for autism awareness and research; and

WHEREAS, John Rigazio, who is a Senior at South Side High School in
Rockville Centre, participated in Bike to the Beach on Friday, June 10,
2016, to support autism awareness; John Rigazio, and his father, Joseph,
completed a 100-mile course which spanned from Battery Park in New York
City to West Hampton Beach on a tandem bike; his mother, Jacqueline, met
them in Wantagh, New York, to complete the trip; Bike to the Beach is a
501(c)3 non-profit organization that is an extension of the Autism
Speaks community which coordinates cycling events across the country to
raise awareness and support for Autism in America; and

WHEREAS, As part of Team Talisen of Talisen Construction
Corporation, John Rigazio helped raise $40,000, some of which went to
Autism Speaks, an organization dedicated to promoting solutions, across
the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, for the needs of individuals
with autism and their families through advocacy and support; increasing
understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder; and advancing
research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum
disorder and related conditions; and

WHEREAS, During the spring of 2016, John Rigazio began building his
stamina as a member of his high school track team; three months prior to
the event, he diligently trained every weekend, slowly increasing his
distance until he routinely biked 65 miles each session; and

WHEREAS, John Rigazio is preparing to do the Bike to the Beach again
on June 9, 2017, with a goal of building a team of 50 riders and raising
$50,000 dollars for autism awareness; and

WHEREAS, Through his hard work and monumental achievement, John
Rigazio has inspired and brought pride to his school and community; with
his sense of civic duty and his commitment to others, John Rigazio
represents the best development of the potential which is inherent in
our most precious resource, our youth; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend John Rigazio for his extraordinary efforts to support and raise
funds for autism awareness and research, and to wish this exceptional
young man continued success throughout his school years and beyond; and
be it further


RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to John Rigazio.