Honoring Sarah Loiacono upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the New York State Citizenship Award

Senate Resolution No. 1953

BY: Senator RHOADS

        HONORING  Sarah  Loiacono 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, conduct, and
achievements best exemplify the ideals of  citizenship,  responsibility,
and  public service upon which this great State and Nation were founded;
and

  WHEREAS, Citizenship is defined not only by rights  and  privileges,
but also by a solemn obligation to contribute to the common good, uphold
civic  values,  respect community institutions, and actively participate
in the strengthening of society through service and leadership; and

  WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and  in  full  accord  with  its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Sarah  Loiacono upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
New York State Citizenship Award; she will be  recognized  at  a  Senior
Awards Night event on Tuesday, June 2, 2026; and

  WHEREAS,  Sarah Loiacono, a senior at Division Avenue High School in
Levittown,  New  York,  has  distinguished  herself  as  a  student   of
exceptional  character,  demonstrating  integrity, responsibility, and a
steadfast commitment to her school and community; and

  WHEREAS, A strong sense of citizenship is reflected  in  service  to
others,  and  Sarah  Loiacono has exemplified this principle through her
active leadership as secretary of the Key Club,  where  she  has  helped
coordinate  volunteer  initiatives  that directly benefit her school and
surrounding community; and

  WHEREAS, Further demonstrating her commitment to  civic  engagement,
Sarah  Loiacono  has  devoted  her  time  to  mentoring younger students
through the Big  Dragons/Little  Dragons  Program,  fostering  guidance,
encouragement,  and  academic  support  that strengthens the educational
foundation of future generations; and

  WHEREAS, Sarah Loiacono has also represented  Division  Avenue  High
School   at  local  Chamber  of  Commerce  and  Kiwanis  Club  meetings,
participating in community dialogue and demonstrating  an  understanding
of   the   importance  of  civic  organizations  in  promoting  service,
leadership, and community improvement; and

  WHEREAS, Citizenship is  strengthened  through  the  development  of
personal talents in service of others, and Sarah Loiacono, as a talented
vocalist  recognized  with All County honors and membership in the Tri-M
Honor Society, has contributed  to  the  cultural  life  of  her  school
community while maintaining high standards of excellence; and

  WHEREAS,  Academically, Sarah Loiacono has pursued a rigorous course
of study at Division  Avenue  High  School,  maintaining  an  impressive

weighted  GPA  of 101.3501, reflecting her discipline, perseverance, and
commitment to academic achievement as  a  foundation  for  future  civic
contribution; and

  WHEREAS, True citizenship is further demonstrated through compassion
in   action,  and  Sarah  Loiacono  has  exemplified  this  through  her
leadership in  a  student-run  campaign  for  the  Leukemia  &  Lymphoma
Society,   inspired   by   her   aunt's  diagnosis,  through  which  she
successfully helped raise nearly $29,000; and

  WHEREAS, Through this initiative, Sarah Loiacono not only  supported
an  important  cause,  but also mobilized her peers, fostered collective
responsibility, and  demonstrated  the  power  of  youth  leadership  in
addressing real-world challenges with determination and purpose; and

  WHEREAS,  The  qualities  of  initiative,  perseverance,  and  civic
responsibility  demonstrated  by  Sarah   Loiacono   have   earned   her
recognition  as  a  "Student  Visionary of the Year" candidate, an honor
reflecting her ability to lead with purpose and to positively impact the
lives of others through meaningful action; and

  WHEREAS, Citizenship also requires preparation  for  future  service
and continued engagement, and Sarah Loiacono, as she advances toward the
next chapter of her life, is well positioned to carry forward the values
of  leadership,  responsibility,  and community involvement that she has
already so clearly demonstrated; and

  WHEREAS, Poised with a great sense  of  purpose  and  determination,
this   scholar   now   stands   honorably,   with   just  pride  in  her
accomplishments and in eager anticipation of future  challenges,  having
benefited from the guidance, encouragement, and support of her teachers,
mentors, family, and community; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Sarah Loiacono upon the occasion of her designation  as  recipient
of  the  New  York  State Citizenship Award, recognizing her outstanding
commitment to civic responsibility, leadership, and service; and  be  it
further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Sarah Loiacono.