Honoring Lana Lee upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the New York State Citizenship Award

Senate Resolution No. 1955

BY: Senator RHOADS

        HONORING   Lana  Lee  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, integrity,
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
Lana Lee 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 Thursday, May 28, 2026; and

  WHEREAS, The New York State Citizenship  Award  recognizes  students
who demonstrate excellence not only in academics, community service, and
extracurricular  involvement,  but  also  in  the enduring principles of
citizenship,  including  responsibility,  civic  engagement,  integrity,
respect for others, and a commitment to the common good; and

  WHEREAS, True citizenship is reflected in the willingness to lead by
example,  to  contribute  meaningfully  to  one's  community,  to uphold
ethical standards, and to act with compassion and accountability in  all
endeavors; and

  WHEREAS,  Lana  Lee,  a  senior  at  Wantagh High School, has proven
herself to be an intelligent, motivated, and civic-minded student leader
who consistently demonstrates these qualities; and

  WHEREAS,  Lana  Lee  has  exhibited  a  profound  understanding   of
citizenship through her active participation in school organizations and
community  initiatives,  showing  a  steadfast  dedication  to  service,
collaboration, and leadership among her peers; and

  WHEREAS, Academically, Lana Lee has been a member  of  the  National
Honor  Society  and  the  Science  National  Honor  Society;  she is the
recipient of the  Woman  in  STEM  Award  from  Rochester  Institute  of
Technology and is recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction; and

  WHEREAS,  Through  her  academic pursuits, Lana Lee has demonstrated
not only intellectual excellence but also a deep sense of responsibility
to apply her knowledge in ways that benefit  others  and  contribute  to
society; and

  WHEREAS,  Athletically, Lana Lee has participated in varsity tennis,
badminton, and bowling; she served as Captain of  the  tennis  team  and
Junior  and  Senior Captain of the badminton team, embodying leadership,
teamwork, and sportsmanship; and

  WHEREAS, Lana Lee has exhibited her leadership skills by serving her
peers as President of Heroes Among Us,  the  Orchestra  Board,  and  the
World  Food Club, Fundraiser Coordinator of the Class of 2026, Historian

of the Science  National  Honor  Society,  and  Vice  President  of  the
Orchestra Board; and

  WHEREAS,  In  these roles, Lana Lee has demonstrated the core tenets
of  citizenship  by  fostering  unity,  encouraging  participation,  and
organizing  efforts  that  support  both  her  school  and  the  broader
community; and

  WHEREAS, Additionally, Lana Lee played first violin in  the  Chamber
Orchestra  Ensemble,  acted  as  a  member  of  the  Chemistry Club, and
represented Wantagh for Section 8 badminton; serving her community,  she
has been a counselor in training at her Girl Scout camp and assisted the
Heroes  Among  Us  Club  in  many  fundraisers  for  veterans  and first
responders; and

  WHEREAS, Lana Lee's commitment to service reflects  a  deep  respect
for  those  who  serve  others  and a sincere dedication to giving back,
hallmarks of exemplary citizenship; and

  WHEREAS, The impactful leadership, civic awareness,  and  unwavering
drive  which  Lana  Lee  has  continually displayed have earned her this
distinguished recognition; she hopes to attend Syracuse University where
she  will  study  secondary   education,   focusing   on   history   and
communications;  her dream is to obtain her master's degree and become a
high school teacher; and

  WHEREAS,  Lana  Lee's  aspiration  to  become  an  educator  further
underscores  her  commitment  to  citizenship,  as  she seeks to inspire
future generations to be informed, responsible, and engaged  members  of
society; and

  WHEREAS,  As Lana Lee looks forward to her next chapter, she is sure
to continue fostering her  leadership  skills,  advancing  her  academic
achievements, and making a meaningful difference in her community; and

  WHEREAS,  Poised  with a great sense of enthusiasm and purpose, this
scholar now stands honorably with just pride in her accomplishments  and
in   eager   anticipation   of   future  challenges,  understanding  and
appreciating the caring counsel and support provided  by  her  teachers,
mentors, and parents; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Lana Lee 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 Lana Lee.