LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Jonah Mittler, Samuel Sommer, and Max
Summers upon the occasion of their designation as recipients of the 2012
Laura and Robert Chodos Award for Excellence in Student Research Using
Historical Records

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 best exemplify the ideals
and values cherished by this great State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Jonah Mittler, Samuel Sommer, and Max Summers upon the occasion of their
designation as recipients of the 2012 Laura and Robert Chodos Award for
Excellence in Student Research Using Historical Records; and
WHEREAS, The Student Research Award is named for Regent Emerita Laura
Chodos and her late husband, Dr. Robert Chodos, who established an
endowment to encourage students to explore the wealth of New York State
historical records; and
WHEREAS, This 23rd Annual Award was presented through the New York
State Archives and Archives Partnership Trust; and
WHEREAS, In their project, titled "Corruption and Reform in New York
State," Jonah Mittler, Samuel Sommer, and Max Summers used historical
records from the Library of Congress, the University of California
Library, New York Times-Archives, and Harper's Weekly; and
WHEREAS, The students developed a comprehensive documentary on the
political corruption and reform movements in New York City and New York
State governments during the Progressive Era (1890-1920); and
WHEREAS, From their source documents, they used a wide variety of
historical newspapers, political cartoons, archival photographs, and
portraits to illustrate the scandals and investigations that led to the
development of reform laws; and
WHEREAS, The three also researched the role of immigrants, voting
ballot methods, and bribery and threats that propelled the Progressive
Movement; and
WHEREAS, Jonah Mittler, Samuel Sommer, and Max Summers worked under
the guidance of their Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. History teacher
Frances Tria; and
WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose, these
scholars now stand honorably, with just pride in their accomplishments
and in eager anticipation of future challenges, understanding and appre-
ciating the caring counsel and support provided by their teachers,
mentors and parents; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Jonah Mittler, Samuel Sommer, and Max Summers upon the occasion of
their designation as recipients of the 2012 Laura and Robert Chodos
Award for Excellence in Student Research Using Historical Records; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Jonah Mittler, Samuel Sommer, and Max Summers.