Honor Uniondale Choir Champions

Senate Resolution No. 5140 BY: Senator HANNON CONGRATULATING the Rhythm of the Knight Uniondale High School Show Choir upon the occasion of being named Grand Champion at the 2018 Show Choir National Finals on April 21, 2018 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the dedication and commitment of our young people who distinguish themselves through excellence in music and dance competition; and WHEREAS, Music and dance competition provides an opportunity for students to exhibit their practical skills to an audience, thereby giving them a sense of pride in their hard work and efforts; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate the Rhythm of the Knight Uniondale High School Show Choir upon the occasion of being named Grand Champion at the 2018 Show Choir National Finals on Saturday, April 21, 2018, in Chicago, Illinois; and WHEREAS, In addition to this monumental win, the Rhythm of the Knight Uniondale High School Show Choir won the Show Choir Cup and awards for best vocals, best choreography, best male vocalist, best female vocalist, best male stage presence, best show design and best original selection; and WHEREAS, The choir qualified for Saturday's main event after winning the top honor of Grand Champion at the invitation-only Fame Show Choir America competition in Orlando, Florida, earlier this month; and WHEREAS, Founded in 2010, the Rhythm of the Knight Show Choir consists of students who range in age from 14 to 18; and WHEREAS, This exceptionally talented group of singers is in their 6th year competing in various show choir competitions; Rhythm of the Knight has been featured on the "Today Show," CNN, "Fox 5 and Friends," "Good Day NY," "Here and Now," and local cable stations MSG Varsity, Fios 1, News 12, as well as Newsday and The New York Times, just to name a few; and WHEREAS, Rhythm of the Knight also performed for the New York Mets, Brooklyn NETS, and the Kenny Rogers Christmas show; after winning a radio contest with WBAB, they had the opportunity to sing on stage with the rock group Foreigner; and WHEREAS, The Rhythm of the Knight are known for their vibrant energetic style; each and every time they hit the stage, they are passionately committed to inspiring and enlightening the audience with their extraordinary talent; and WHEREAS, Talent, dedication, and countless hours of practice have made Rhythm of the Knight Uniondale High School Show Choir the outstanding ensemble it is today; each student is dedicated to the group and spends five to six hours a day practicing five to six days a week for the finals; and WHEREAS, Ably lead by Director Lynnette Carr-Hicks, the members work hard at their music rehearsals, fully aware that the amount of time and energy they are willing to expend directly affects the quality of their performance; and WHEREAS, The Rhythm of the Knight members, along with their parents and teachers, can be justifiably proud of their achievements and their participation in the 2018 Show Choir National Finals; and WHEREAS, Each young performer in our schools is deserving of his or her own recognition and spotlight, for their remarkable commitment and hours of practice in perfecting their music and dance abilities; and WHEREAS, The study of music and dance are most worthy of being encouraged and promoted, as they provide an opportunity for students to exhibit their skills to an audience, thereby giving them self-esteem to last a lifetime; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate the student performers, musicians and technicians of the Rhythm of the Knight Uniondale High School Show Choir: Tia Armstrong, Rafael Argueta, Courtney Barrett, Nagi-Ann Bernard, Emmanuel Beauge, Jennifer Chacon, Tiffany Deaza, Akil Dechinea, Darnell Denat, Taina Denis, Bryce Denis, Alexa Douce, Shaun Edourad, Alison Guevara, Kwasi Hawthorne, Isaac Hernandez, Casey Holder, Sebastian Irizarry, Fitasia Jerman, Farah Jeudy, Leon Kessee, Janet Martinez, Taylor McCorkle, Allainah McGuire, Jasmine McKay, Joshua Moodie, Kedar Nestar, Malaika Noel, Maya Noel, Reny Ogundipe, Makailah Page, Chelsea Petitifrere, Lynnette Perusier, Jahnae Pitter, Jasmine Salvador, Sierre Scheinder, Daniel Simms, Kristina Stevens, Corrance Stokes, Vanessa Taylor, Aneesa Tulloch, Elijah Ulysse, Andy Vasquez, Gianni Wilson, Karina Veas, and Francesca Zamor upon the occasion of being named Grand Champion at the