J 1303: Commending Austin Jin, Bryan Cheng, and Ellen Zhang of Great Neck South High School for organizing New York State's first-ever student-led bone marrow registry drive on October 24, 2025

 Senate Resolution No. 1303 BY: Senator MARTINS COMMENDING Austin Jin, Bryan Cheng, and Ellen Zhang of Great Neck South High School for organizing New York State's first-ever student-led bone marrow registry drive on October 24, 2025 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and commend young people whose leadership, initiative, and commitment to service strengthen their communities and advance the public good; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Austin Jin, Bryan Cheng, and Ellen Zhang of Great Neck South High School for organizing New York State's first-ever student-led bone marrow registry drive; and WHEREAS, Students of Great Neck South High School in Nassau County achieved a historic milestone by hosting New York State's first-ever student-led bone marrow swab drive at a public high school, in partnership with the Gift of Life Marrow Registry; and WHEREAS, This groundbreaking initiative was organized and led by Austin Jin and Bryan Cheng, juniors at Great Neck South High School, and Ellen Zhang, a senior, whose vision and dedication brought together science, service, and student leadership in support of life-saving medical treatment; and WHEREAS, The bone marrow swab drive was held on October 24, 2025, in the school gymnasium alongside the Red Cross Blood Drive, in collaboration with South High's DECA and Key Club, demonstrating exceptional coordination and community engagement; and WHEREAS, Over the course of several weeks, the student organizers independently coordinated all aspects of the initiative, including volunteer training, peer-to-peer outreach, collaboration with Gift of Life representatives, and adherence to health and logistical requirements; and WHEREAS, A central and impactful component of the event was the students' commitment to education, as they worked to address misconceptions surrounding bone marrow donation and helped participants understand that a simple cheek swab collects DNA for matching purposes and that donation occurs only if a match is later identified; and WHEREAS, Through meaningful dialogue with trained volunteers, hundreds of students and staff learned how bone marrow transplants can cure leukemia, lymphoma, and other serious blood disorders, transforming initial uncertainty into understanding and empowerment; and WHEREAS, As a direct result of this student-led effort, more than 45 new potential donors were added to the national bone marrow registry, each representing a future opportunity to save a life; and WHEREAS, Building upon the success of the Great Neck South High School drive, Austin Jin, Bryan Cheng, and Ellen Zhang expanded the initiative to Great Neck North High School, demonstrating sustained leadership, civic responsibility, and a continued commitment to service beyond a single event; and WHEREAS, This historic accomplishment has been recognized locally as a powerful example of youth-driven civic action and stands as a model of how education, initiative, and compassion can create lasting community impact; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Austin Jin, Bryan Cheng, and Ellen Zhang for their outstanding leadership in organizing New York State's first-ever student-led bone marrow registry drive, and to applaud their dedication to public service, education, and saving lives; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Austin Jin, Bryan Cheng, and Ellen Zhang.