LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating the Goshen Intermediate School
"Its How We Rule" Team upon the occasion of capturing the 2014 Odyssey
of the Mind World Championship on May 31, 2014

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 Goshen Intermediate School Odyssey of the Mind Team upon the
occasion of capturing the 2014 Odyssey of the Mind World Championship in
Ames, Iowa, on Saturday, May 31, 2014; 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 Goshen Intermediate School "Its How We Rule" Odyssey of
the Mind Team emerged victorious in a field of 54 other teams to capture
the top prize at the 35th Annual Odyssey of the Mind World Finals; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable group of seven fifth-grade girls used music,
puppetry, and humor to tell an intricate story of a coconut shortage
faced by the Hawaiian King Kamehameha in 1795, which ultimately helps
solve an obsession with technology in the year 3335; and
WHEREAS, Prior to winning the World Title, the Goshen Intermediate
School Odyssey of the Mind Team won its regional competition, and then
took first place at the New York State competition at SUNY Binghamton;
and
WHEREAS, Coaches Jeanette McDowell and Amy Bunzey have done a superb
job in guiding, molding and inspiring the team members toward their
goals; and
WHEREAS, The triumphant Goshen Intermediate School Odyssey of the Mind
Team members are Madilyn Bunzey, Kierstin Holt, Sarah McDowell, Emma
Melley, Brianna Van Steenburgh, Alexandria Thurtle and Jillian Welshoff;
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, fami-
ly and friends; and
WHEREAS, Educational competition instills the values of teamwork,
pride and accomplishment, and these outstanding young women have clearly
made a contribution to the spirit of excellence which is a tradition of
their school; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the Goshen Intermediate School "Its How We Rule" Team upon
the occasion of capturing the 2014 Odyssey of the Mind World Champion-
ship; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, he tran-
smitted to the members and coaches of the Goshen Intermediate School
"Its How We Rule" Odyssey of the Mind Team.