LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the Bronx School for Law, Government &
Justice upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the 2012
National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award for debate

WHEREAS, A great state is only as great as those individuals who perform
exemplary service on behalf of their community, whether through unique
achievement in professional or other endeavors, or simply through a
lifetime of good citizenship; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the
Bronx School for Law, Government & Justice upon the occasion of its
designation as recipient of the 2012 National Arts and Humanities Youth
Program Award for debate; and
WHEREAS, The Bronx School for Law, Government & Justice received this
auspicious award for their after school debate team; in addition to the
award, first lady Michelle Obama made a special visit to the school and
met with the four members of the debate team, which was started by
history teacher Eric Fogel who, along with other volunteer teachers and
staff, started the New York City Urban Debate League which is comprised
of 400 students and 40 schools; and
WHEREAS, Starr Arroyo, Yaira Brito, Ashley Meija, and Stephanie Nyame
are the members of the Bronx School for Law, Government & Justice debate
team and sophomore Starr Arroyo was selected to speak in front of the
first lady; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that when indi-
viduals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion it is appropriate to publicly proclaim and commend those individ-
uals for the edification and emulation of others; and
WHEREAS, Such service, which is truly the lifeblood of the community
and the State, so often goes unrecognized and unheralded; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the Bronx School for Law, Government & Justice upon the occasion
of its designation as recipient of the 2012 National Arts and Humanities
Youth Program Award for debate; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Bronx School for Law, Government & Justice.