Honor Erin Clifford’s Diving Win

Senate Resolution No. 2359 BY: Senator BONACIC congratulating Erin Clifford upon the occasion of capturing the New York State Diving Championship on November 19, 2016 WHEREAS, Individual and team championships are highly sought after in high school sports; this Legislative Body commends rare athletic achievements and pays special recognition to those who pursue such excellence and become examples for the youth of this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Athletic competition helps to enhance both the moral and physical development of young athletes, preparing them for the future by instilling in them the importance of teamwork, encouraging a standard of healthy living, and developing a sense of fair play and competition; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Erin Clifford upon the occasion of capturing the New York State Diving Championship on Saturday, November 19, 2016, at the Aquatics Pavilion at Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York; and WHEREAS, During the New York State Diving Championship, Erin Clifford's 11-dive score of 526.20 points beat Alexandra House from Newark High School by a margin of 6.45 points; and WHEREAS, A senior at Minisink Valley High School, Erin Clifford has signed a National Letter of Intent to dive for the University of Connecticut Huskies beginning in the 2017-2018 season; and WHEREAS, The Captain of her swim and dive team, Erin Clifford has set a new Section 9 record with 11 dives, shattered multiple meet and pool records, and currently holds every Minisink Valley school record for varsity diving; and WHEREAS, In addition, Erin Clifford is a two-time Section 9 Champion, and a two-time place finisher in the top five at the New York State Diving Championships; she was also named a 2015 NISCA/Speedo Girls One Meter Diving All-American; and WHEREAS, Erin Clifford not only excels at diving, she is an outstanding student with a GPA of over 100; and WHEREAS, In sports such as diving, which demands athletic prowess, speed and agility, Coach Gillian Sutera and her skilled coaching staff worked hard to hone the skills of this champion, teaching this outstanding athlete lessons which will prove invaluable both in and out of the pool; and WHEREAS, Erin Clifford has clearly utilized dedication and determination in providing a lasting contribution to the spirit of excellence which is a tradition of her school; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Erin Clifford upon the occasion of capturing the New York State Diving Championship on November 19, 2016; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Erin Clifford.