Declare Speech and Debate Day

March 1, 2019, as Speech and Debate Education Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, Established by the National Speech & Debate Association, in conjunction with national and local partners, this event serves to promote better instruction in speech and debate across all grade levels and to highlight the pivotal roles these abilities play in personal advocacy, social movements, and public policy making; and WHEREAS, Speech and debate education helps students develop important skills in communication, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration through the practice of public speaking; participants learn not only to analyze and express complex ideas effectively but also to listen, concur, questions, or dissent with reason and compassion; and WHEREAS, Across the State, countless educators devote in-school, after-school, and weekend time to supporting their students in speech and debate practices and competitions, and the example of hard work and dedication they set has lasting, positive impact on their pupils; and WHEREAS, The skills learned through speech and debate serve students well throughout their lives, and this occasion presents a welcome opportunity to recognize such instruction as an essential component of a well-rounded curriculum; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 1, 2019, as Speech and Debate Education Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.