Honoring Samantha Hecker upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the New York State Citizenship Award

Senate Resolution No. 2025

BY: Senator RHOADS

        HONORING  Samantha Hecker upon the occasion of his
        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
Samantha Hecker upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
New York State Citizenship Award, to be recognized on  Monday,  June  8,
2026; 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 communities through their actions and
example; and

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

  WHEREAS, As a  student  who  understands  the  importance  of  civic
engagement,  Samantha  Hecker contributed meaningfully to her school and
broader community, embracing opportunities  to  lead,  collaborate,  and
uplift those around her; and

  WHEREAS,  Samantha  Hecker  has proven herself to be an intelligent,
compassionate, and driven student leader; and

  WHEREAS, Samantha Hecker has been involved in a variety  of  nursing
related pursuits, including earning her EMT certification and completing
rigorous training in patient assessment, emergency response, and medical
intervention;  she  also  has volunteered in the emergency department at
St.   Joseph Hospital, showcasing her  passion  and  dedication  to  the
healthcare field; and

  WHEREAS,  A  well-rounded  student,  Samantha  Hecker  has  been the
treasurer of both the National Honor Society and Community Service  Club
and  served  as a Peer Advisor in the St. Jude Leadership Society, where
she exceeded  fundraising  expectations  by  raising  over  $10,000  for
pediatric cancer research

  WHEREAS,  Through these activities, Samantha Hecker has demonstrated
not only her aptitude,  but  also  the  cooperative  spirit  and  shared
responsibility that are hallmarks of exemplary citizenship; and

  WHEREAS,  A  shining  example  for her peers and our youth, Samantha
Hecker was appointed as the first Ex Officio Student  Representative  to
her  district's Board of Education where she serves as a liaison between

students  and  administrators,  elevating  student  voices   in   policy
discussions; and

  WHEREAS, Academically, Samantha Hecker has challenged herself with a
rigorous  curriculum,  rich  in  research  and  challenging courses, and
currently maintains  an  impressive  GPA;  her  intellectual  curiosity,
combined  with  her collaborative spirit, makes her a valued peer in the
classroom; and

  WHEREAS, Samantha Hecker is a member of honor  societies,  including
the  Spanish  Honors  Society  and  the  National  Honors  Society;  her
involvement in  these  organizations  reflects  not  only  her  academic
achievements  and  the respect she has earned from faculty, but also her
ongoing commitment to service, leadership, and civic-minded values; and

  WHEREAS, The essence of citizenship lies in the willingness  to  act
with  integrity,  to  serve  selflessly, and to contribute positively to
society, qualities which Samantha Hecker has demonstrated  through  both
word and deed; and

  WHEREAS,  From  volunteering  at  her local JCC through the Teens as
Leaders program,  to  working  as  a  camp  counselor,  babysitter,  and
assistant  at  a  small  business,  Samantha  Hecker  consistently shows
maturity, dependability, and a willingness to serve; and

  WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the selfless dedication shown by individuals
for the benefit of others which Samantha Hecker has displayed throughout
her life; and

  WHEREAS, As Samantha Hecker 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,  Her  example  affirms  that  responsible  citizenship is a
lifelong endeavor, one that extends beyond the classroom and into  every
aspect of personal and professional life; 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  Samantha Hecker 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 Samantha Hecker.