Honoring Michael Verbanac upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the New York State Citizenship Award

Senate Resolution No. 2202

BY: Senator RHOADS

        HONORING Michael Verbanac 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
Michael  Verbanac  upon  the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the New York State Citizenship Award; he 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  in  academics,  community   service,   and
extracurricular involvement; and

  WHEREAS,  Michael  Verbanac,  a  senior at Bethpage High School, has
proven himself to be an intelligent and driven student leader; and

  WHEREAS,  Academically,  Michael  Verbanac  is   a   dedicated   and
hardworking  student  with  a  104.51 weighted GPA which he earned while
taking the most rigorous AP and Honors coursework offered; he has been a
member of the National Honor Society and National Science Honor Society;
and

  WHEREAS, Additionally, Michael Verbanac has been recognized as an AP
Scholar with Distinction and a candidate for the New York State Seal  of
Biliteracy in Spanish; and

  WHEREAS,  Athletically, Michael Verbanac has been a dedicated member
of the varsity soccer team since June 2024,  balancing  daily  practices
and multiple games per week; and

  WHEREAS,   Additionally,  Michael  Verbanac  started  working  as  a
part-time busser at Me and You in August 2024; he provides  high-quality
guest service in a fast-paced restaurant environment; and

  WHEREAS, Outside of school activities, Michael Verbanac has acted as
Outreach  Ambassador for Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes Organization since
September  2022;  using  his  personal  experience  with  diabetes,   he
demonstrates  leadership  and  service  by  mentoring  children, guiding
parents, and sharing experiences to strengthen the  diabetes  community;
and

  WHEREAS,  Actively  involved  in his community, Michael Verbanac has
served as a Red Cross member since September 2024; he  has  participated
in beach cleanups and local wildlife conservation initiatives to protect
marine ecosystems; and

  WHEREAS, The impactful leadership and unwavering drive which Michael
Verbanac  has  continually  displayed have earned his recognition; he is
skilled in communication, teamwork, and resilience and carries a  strong
history of academic achievement, service, and personal growth; and

  WHEREAS,  As  Michael Verbanac looks forward to his next chapter, he
is sure to continue  fostering  his  leadership  skills,  advancing  his
academic  achievements,  and  making  a  meaningful  difference  in  his
community; and

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

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
honor Michael Verbanac upon the occasion of his 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 Michael Verbanac.