Senate Resolution No. 771

BY: Senator MARCHIONE

COMMENDING South Glens Falls High School upon the
occasion of celebrating its 40th Annual South High
Marathon Dance from March 3-4, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to act, in accord
with its long-standing traditions, honoring the youth of today, and
leaders of tomorrow, whose character and achievements best exemplify the
ideals and values cherished by this great State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend South Glens Falls High School upon the occasion of celebrating
its 40th Annual South High Marathon Dance from March 3-4, 2017; and

WHEREAS, The South High Marathon Dance (SHMD) is held every March in
the small town of South Glens Falls, New York; students at South Glens
Falls High School, grades 9-12, gather to raise money and dance for an
amazing 28 hours straight, all in the name of local people and charities
who need help; and

WHEREAS, In 1978, approximately 50 dancers raised $1,500 for the
local Emergency Squad; since then, the dance has donated money to
individuals who need handicapped-accessible vans, organ transplants, and
motorized wheelchairs; it has also helped send terminally ill community
members on vacations with their families, helped pay medical expenses,
bought gifts for needy children at Christmas and helped purchase major
medical equipment for a local hospital; and

WHEREAS, Along with these individuals in need of their help, SHMD
has donated money to organizations such as Caritas and the Juvenile
Diabetes Research Foundation, numerous scholarship funds, and local
groups like the community center and fire departments; and

WHEREAS, From its humble beginnings in 1978, SHMD has grown to
include more than 750 dancers; in 2016, under the able leadership of
Superintendent Michael Patton and Principal Carla Biviano, the event
raised more than $762,000 for local charities, bringing the grand total
to more than $5.6 million dollars; and

WHEREAS, The community which comes out to support the dance is
highly entertained not only by the dancers, but also by the multitude of
opportunities to make donations at the event; people can purchase
snacks, raffle tickets, 50/50 tickets, and SHMD apparel; in addition,
people can get a haircut and participate in both live and silent
auctions which are huge attractions; and

WHEREAS, The culmination of the dance occurs Saturday night when
awards are given to students who raise the most money; in addition,
raffle winners are announced, and the dancers excitedly await the
announcement of the total amount raised, followed by a Strut Your Stuff
performance by the dancers; and

WHEREAS, Dancing for 28 hours shows dedication and commitment; this
annual event exemplifies the spirit of friends helping friends and
neighbors helping neighbors, all of whom have come together for the past
40 years to benefit many worthy causes; and

WHEREAS, The participating students truly exemplify the best
potential which is inherent in our most precious resource, our youth;
together, they have brought enduring honor to their school, their
families, and their community through their latest achievements; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend South Glens Falls High School upon the occasion of celebrating
its 40th Annual South High Marathon Dance; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Superintendent Michael Patton, and Principal Carla
Biviano, South Glens Falls High School.