Honoring Kayla Lederer upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the New York State Citizenship Award

Senate Resolution No. 1951

BY: Senator RHOADS

        HONORING  Kayla  Lederer  upon the occasion of her
        designation as  recipient  of  the  New  York  State
        Citizenship Award

  WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor the young
adults   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 honor
Kayla Lederer upon the occasion of her designation as recipient  of  the
New  York  State Citizenship Award, to be recognized on May 19, 2026, at
East Meadow High School in East Meadow, New York; and

  WHEREAS, The New York  State  Citizenship  Award  is  bestowed  upon
students  who  embody  the  highest  principles of civic responsibility,
integrity, and dedication to the common good, serving as role models who
strengthen the fabric of their school communities through their actions,
leadership, and example; and

  WHEREAS, True citizenship is demonstrated not only through  academic
success,   but  through  a  steadfast  commitment  to  service,  ethical
leadership,  respect  for   others,   and   an   unwavering   sense   of
responsibility toward one's school and community; and

  WHEREAS,  Kayla  Lederer  has  exemplified  these ideals through her
consistent demonstration of respect, accountability,  perseverance,  and
compassion,  reflecting  the essential values of engaged and responsible
citizenship in both her academic and extracurricular pursuits; and

  WHEREAS, As a student leader who understands the importance of civic
engagement  within  a  school  community,  Kayla  Lederer  has  embraced
opportunities  to serve, lead, and contribute meaningfully to the shared
well-being of her peers; and

  WHEREAS, Kayla Lederer  has  demonstrated  a  strong  commitment  to
student  voice  and  school  governance through her historic role as the
first student representative on her district's Board of Education, where
she  exhibited  maturity,  insight,  and  a   thoughtful   approach   to
representing the interests and perspectives of her fellow students; and

  WHEREAS,  In this capacity, Kayla Lederer has shown that citizenship
includes  active  participation  in  democratic  processes,   respectful
communication,  and  the  willingness to engage in constructive dialogue
for the betterment of the school community; and

  WHEREAS, Kayla Lederer further  strengthened  her  record  of  civic
responsibility  through  her  service  as  Class President from grades 9
through 11, where she worked to represent her classmates, foster  school
spirit,  and  contribute  to  a  positive  and  inclusive school climate
grounded in mutual respect and shared responsibility; and

  WHEREAS, As a  Peer  Leader,  Kayla  Lederer  has  demonstrated  the
importance  of  mentorship  as  a core element of citizenship by guiding
freshmen students, helping  them  navigate  academic  expectations,  and
supporting  their  social  and emotional adjustment to high school life;
and

  WHEREAS, Through this mentorship role, Kayla Lederer has exemplified
the  principle  that  citizenship  involves  uplifting others, fostering
belonging,  and  taking  active  responsibility  for  the  success   and
well-being of younger students within the school community; and

  WHEREAS,  Kayla  Lederer's  commitment  to  citizenship  is  further
reflected in her athletic leadership, where she has served as Captain of
the basketball team, leading by example  through  discipline,  teamwork,
and  perseverance  while  guiding  her  team  to  County and Long Island
championships; and

  WHEREAS, As an All-Conference athlete in basketball,  field  hockey,
and lacrosse, Kayla Lederer has demonstrated that citizenship extends to
sportsmanship,  integrity  in  competition,  and  respect for teammates,
opponents, and the rules of the game; and

  WHEREAS, Kayla Lederer's involvement in  Athletes  Helping  Athletes
further  underscores  her  dedication  to  peer  support  and leadership
development, as she actively contributes to mentoring  younger  students
through shared athletic and personal experiences; and

  WHEREAS,  Graduating in the top 5% of her class, Kayla Lederer is an
AP  Capstone  Diploma  recipient  and  AP  Scholar   with   Distinction,
demonstrating that academic excellence and civic responsibility can work
in  concert  to prepare a student for meaningful leadership and service;
and

  WHEREAS, Kayla Lederer balances her many responsibilities, including
academic achievement, leadership positions, athletic commitments, and  a
part-time  job, with resilience, discipline, and a strong sense of duty,
reflecting the everyday practice of responsible citizenship; and

  WHEREAS, The essence of citizenship lies in the willingness  to  act
with   integrity,   to   serve   selflessly,  to  respect  institutional
responsibilities, and to contribute  positively  to  society,  qualities
which  Kayla Lederer has consistently demonstrated through both word and
deed; and

  WHEREAS, Kayla Lederer's example  affirms  that  citizenship  is  an
active  and  ongoing  commitment,  requiring  engagement in school life,
participation in governance, dedication  to  community-building,  and  a
readiness to lead with fairness and purpose; and

  WHEREAS,  As Kayla Lederer looks forward to her next chapter, she is
poised to continue developing her leadership  abilities,  advancing  her
academic  pursuits,  and contributing meaningfully to every community of
which she is a part; and

  WHEREAS, Her record of  service  and  leadership  demonstrates  that
responsible   citizenship   extends   beyond   individual   achievement,
encompassing a lifelong dedication to contributing to the  common  good;
and


  WHEREAS,  Poised with a great sense of enthusiasm and purpose, Kayla
Lederer stands honorably, with just pride in her accomplishments and  in
eager  anticipation  of  future  challenges,  deeply appreciative of the
guidance and support provided by her  teachers,  mentors,  coaches,  and
parents; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Kayla Lederer upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the New York State Citizenship Award; and be it further

  RESOLVED, That a copy of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted to Kayla Lederer.