LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating the St. John's Lutheran Church
sponsored Odyssey of the Mind Team upon the occasion of capturing a New
York State Competition first-place award and advancing to the world
competition

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend and pay
tribute to those who, by achieving outstanding success in their educa-
tional endeavors and competitions, have inspired and brought pride to
our majestic Empire State; and
WHEREAS, It is also the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
the dedication and commitment of our young people who distinguish them-
selves through excellence in scholastic competition; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late the St. John's Lutheran Church sponsored Odyssey of the Mind Team
upon the occasion of capturing a New York State Competition first-place
award and advancing to the world competition; and
WHEREAS, Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program
that provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students from
kindergarten through college; team members apply their creativity to
solve problems that range from building mechanical devices to presenting
their own interpretation of literary classics; and
WHEREAS, Odyssey of the Mind teams bring their solutions to competi-
tion on the local, state, and world level; thousands of teams from
throughout the United States and from about 25 other countries partic-
ipate in the program; and
WHEREAS, The Odyssey of the Mind high school-level team, sponsored by
St. John's Lutheran Church on Mount Hope Road in the Town of Wallkill,
New York, captured a first-place award in its "Pet Project Division Ill"
problem-solving, and is going to the world competition in Michigan in
May 2013; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the St. John's Lutheran Church sponsored Odyssey
of the Mind Team received the Ranatra Fusca award for exceptional work;
and
WHEREAS, The Reverend Peter Rustico, Pastor of St. John's Lutheran
Church, was instrumental in obtaining the unanimous approval by the
church council to fund several local Odyssey of the Mind teams; and
WHEREAS, Most of the members of the St. John's Lutheran Church spon-
sored Odyssey of the Mind Team that captured a New York State Competi-
tion first-place award and advanced to the world competition attend Pine
Bush High School; they were coached by James Orr and Charlie-Marie
Podeorsky; their outstanding performance has clearly made a contribution
to the spirit of excellence which is a tradition of their school and
community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the St. John's Lutheran Church sponsored Odyssey of the
Mind Team upon the occasion of capturing a New York State Competition
first-place award and advancing to the world competition; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, he tran-
smitted to the members and coaches of the St. John's Lutheran Church
sponsored Odyssey of the Mind Team.