Honor Ski Champion Shayla Byrne

February 24, 2025 WHEREAS, Excellence and success in competitive sports can be achieved only through strenuous practice, team play and team spirit, nurtured by dedicated coaching and strategic planning; and WHEREAS, Athletic competition enhances the moral and physical development of the young people of this State, preparing them for the future by instilling in them the value of teamwork, encouraging a standard of healthy living, imparting a desire for success and developing a sense of fair play and competition; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Shayla Byrne, who captured the 2025 NYSPHSAA Girls Giant Slalom Championship beating out her highly ranked opponent from Shaker High School at Gore Mountain in North Creek on Monday, February 24, 2025; and WHEREAS, Utilizing outstanding talent, Shayla Byrne capped off a spectacular season as the only skier to break the one-minute barrier in both runs of the girls' giant slalom, posting times of 59.74 seconds in the opening run and 57.32 seconds in the second generating a combined time of 1:57.06; and WHEREAS, Proudly donning the school's colors of red and blue, family, friends, and the community at large loyally and enthusiastically supported Shayla Byrne throughout her journey as her time of 1:57.06 was nearly 2.24 seconds ahead of her closest competitor; and WHEREAS, The athletic talent displayed by this scholar athlete is due in great part to the efforts of a great team of coaches, skilled and inspirational tutors, respected for their ability to develop potential into excellence; and WHEREAS, In a sport such as skiing, which demands athletic prowess, speed and agility, Head Coach Erin Welch worked hard to hone the skills of this champion, teaching this outstanding athlete lessons which will prove invaluable both on and off the course; and WHEREAS, Shayla Byrne was recognized by the Times Union for her outstanding season, being named as a First Team All-Star; and WHEREAS, In light of her recent accomplishments, Shayla Byrne not only solidified her legacy but also inspired the next generation of skiers at South Glens Falls, highlighting the growth of competitive skiing in the region; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Shayla Byrne of South Glens Falls High School upon the occasion of capturing the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Girls Giant Slalom Championship and Head Coach Erin Welch on an outstanding season; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Shayla Byrne, Head Coach Erin Welch, Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics Matthew Griep, Principal Nicky Bogert and Superintendent Kristine Orr.