Honor Viraj Jayam's Service

Senate Resolution No. 2853 BY: Senator KAPLAN COMMENDING Viraj Jayam upon the occasion of his designation as a Distinguished Finalist in the 25th Annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to act, in accord with its long-standing traditions, honoring the youth of today, and leaders of tomorrow, whose character and achievements exemplify the ideals and values cherished by this great State and Nation; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Viraj Jayam upon the occasion of his designation as a Distinguished Finalist in the 25th Annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, to be recognized with a Medallion Presentation on Monday, March 16, 2020, at The Wheatley School, Old Westbury, New York; and WHEREAS, Viraj Jayam has distinguished himself as a young man of superlative ability, establishing a high standard of community service, purposefulness of life, and sense of responsibility rarely achieved in youthful years; and WHEREAS, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, created in 1995 by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), are designed to emphasize the importance our Nation places on service to others, and to encourage all young Americans to contribute to their communities; and WHEREAS, Viraj Jayam, an esteemed resident of Roslyn Heights, New York, and a junior at the Wheatley School, has achieved national recognition for exemplary volunteer service by receiving a 2020 Prudential Spirit of Community Award; and WHEREAS, This prestigious award honors young volunteers across America who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to their communities; and WHEREAS, Viraj Jayam founded Helping Hands Long Island, through which he uses 3-D printing to create tailored prosthetics for people in need; he learned how to operate the technology and partnered with another organization to provide prosthetics to people in India, Nepal and Mexico; he was inspired to start this project after his childhood friend from India lost an arm in a factory accident; and WHEREAS, The success of the State of New York, the strength of our communities, and the vitality of American society depend, in great measure, upon the dedication of young people like Viraj Jayam, who use their considerable talents and resources to serve others; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to honor Viraj Jayam, commending him for his outstanding record of volunteerism, peer leadership, and community service, recognizing the value of his labors and the promise of his future; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations, with praise and pride, to commend Viraj Jayam for his achievements and to extend to him the best wishes of this Legislative Body for a future of purposeful success and well-being; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Viraj Jayam.