The New York State Senate

J2181

Senate Resolution No. 2181

BY: Senator GALLIVAN

CONGRATULATING Kaitlin Hawayek of East Aurora, New
York, upon the occasion of participating as an ice
dancer in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games on
Monday, February 14, 2022, in Beijing, China

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to extend its full
recognition and grateful tribute to the athletes of New York State who
have dedicated their purposeful lives to athletic achievement and
proudly represented their great State and Nation in international sports
competition; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to join the Buffalo
community in honoring Kaitlin Hawayek, a young woman of great skill,
personal courage and unparalleled dedication, whose character and
athletic achievements are world-renowned and personify the highest
ideals of the American spirit and Olympics competition; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Kaitlin Hawayek of East Aurora, New York, upon the occasion
of participating as an ice dancer in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic
Games on Monday, February 14, 2022, in Beijing, China; and

WHEREAS, For American ice dancers Kaitlin Hawayek and her partner
Jean-Luc Baker, the primary goal for their first time competing at the
Olympics was to put down a solid performance and just have fun; and

WHEREAS, With 23 teams competing in ice dancing, the pair finished
11th overall with a total score of 189.74; and

WHEREAS, Part of the figure skating discipline, ice dancing draws
its inspiration from ballroom dancing, with an emphasis on footwork,
artistic expression and connection to the music; and

WHEREAS, No jumps or throws are allowed in ice dancing, a departure
from pairs figure skating, which includes jumps, lifts and throws; and

WHEREAS, A medley of Donna Summer hits, including "Love to Love You
Baby" and "Bad Girls," provided a fun and flirty soundtrack for Kaitlin
Hawayek and Jean-Luc Baker's rhythm dance; for their free skate the duo
performed to "Prelude and Nocturne in E-Minor" by Frederic Chopin; and

WHEREAS, The couple's twizzle sequence, a series of side by side
rotations performed in unison that is a signature element in ice
dancing, was highly regarded by all, announcers and fans alike, as an
important aspect of their ice dance routine; and

WHEREAS, Kaitlin Hawayek has been skating and dancing since she was
three years-old; she set her sights on the Olympics as a teenager;
today, she is so grateful to have had the opportunity to represent her
country on Olympic ice with her best friend, Jean-Luc Baker; and

WHEREAS, A role model for all, Kaitlin Hawayek is a talented athlete
who has brought honor to her family, her coaches, and her community of
friends, all of whom have encouraged her progress and commended her hard
work and dedication; and

WHEREAS, A gifted athlete, Kaitlin Hawayek's character and
achievements stand as a sterling example and inspiration to all who
would aspire to such extraordinary success; and

WHEREAS, Many will only dream of competing in the Winter Olympic
Games; this young exceptional competitor from the great State of New
York, through her hard work and tenacious spirit, has made that vision a
reality, and has proudly represented her country in competition among
the world's finest athletes, an honor that gives just cause for her
family, community and State to be exceedingly proud of her achievements;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Kaitlin Hawayek of East Aurora, New York, upon the occasion
of participating as an ice dancer in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic
Games, and to wish her continued success in all her future endeavors;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Kaitlin Hawayek.