Senate Resolution No. 1935

BY: Senator JACOBS

HONORING Christina Drakeford upon the occasion of
being named a 2017 Merrill Presidential Scholar at
Cornell University

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend and
pay tribute to those young people who have inspired and brought pride to
this majestic Empire State with their intellectual drive, energetic
leadership abilities, strong contributions to their communities and
scholastic achievements; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Christina Drakeford upon the occasion of being named a 2017 Merrill
Presidential Scholar at Cornell University; and

WHEREAS, Each spring semester, 32 scholars, representing
approximately one percent of the graduating class, are chosen by the
deans of each of Cornell's seven undergraduate colleges to receive this
auspicious award; and

WHEREAS, The scholars, in turn, recognize a high school teacher who
most inspired their scholastic development, as well as a Cornell faculty
member who most significantly contributed to their college education and
experience; and

WHEREAS, A young woman of singular distinction and superlative
ability, Christina Drakeford named Laura Howse, Coordinator of the IB
Program at Kenmore West High School, as the teacher who made the biggest
impact on her high school experience; and

WHEREAS, Christina Drakeford was the valedictorian of the Kenmore
West High School Class of 2013, and was among the first graduates of the
school's prestigious International Baccalaureate Program; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from Cornell University a semester early,
Christina Drakeford is currently working as a human resources assistant
at Cellino and Barnes in Buffalo, New York, before attending law school
in the fall; and

WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose,
Christina Drakeford now stands honorably, with just pride in her
accomplishments and in eager anticipation of future challenges,
understanding and appreciating the caring counsel and inspiration
provided by Laura Howse of Kenmore West High School; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when young
people of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations,
with praise and pride, to honor Christina Drakeford upon the occasion of
being named a 2017 Merrill Presidential Scholar at Cornell University,

and to extend to her the best wishes of this Legislative Body for a
future of purposeful success and well-being, fully confident of her
response to the challenges of a promising future and appreciative of the
model she represents for all young people of the Empire State; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Christina Drakeford and Laura Howse.