K 424: Congratulating the Binghamton University Debate Team upon the occasion of capturing First Place at the 79th National Debate Tournament

 Assembly Resolution No. 424 BY: M. of A. Lupardo CONGRATULATING the Binghamton University Debate Team upon the occasion of capturing First Place at the 79th National Debate Tournament WHEREAS, Individual and team championships are vital for healthy competition among our students; this Legislative Body commends rare achievements and pays special recognition to those who pursue such excellence and become examples for the youth of this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Competition helps prepare students for the future by instilling in them the importance of teamwork and developing a sense of fair play; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate the Binghamton University Debate Team upon the occasion of capturing First Place at the 79th National Debate Tournament on Tuesday, April 8, 2025; and WHEREAS, The Binghamton University Debate Team consists of 30 members; four were specifically selected to qualify for this tournament; Eli Turner-Louis and Jeremiah Cohn were the tournament finalists; and WHEREAS, Despite winning tournaments in previous years, April 8, 2025, was a historic day for the Binghamton University Debate Team; for the first time in its history, and the first time a New York university had accomplished this feat, Binghamton University took home the trophy for the National Debate Tournament (NDT); and WHEREAS, Competing in the most prestigious national debate championship in the United States, this honor was attained after a 3-2 decision against the University of Kansas; this win follows a 2024 victory at the Cross Examination Debate Association (CEDA) National Tournament; and WHEREAS, Eli Turner-Louis was satisfied with the knowledge that as a senior, she ensured that the door behind her will not close for the next person; and WHEREAS, Jeremiah Cohn expressed his elation for the victory, saying that he is very happy, especially on behalf of Binghamton University; the members of the Debate Team defied the odds against them and triumphed over the other teams; and WHEREAS, The dedicated members of the Binghamton University Debate Team worked arduously, competing at the same level as other teams which had the advantage of more resources and coaching staff; they merit the admiration of the citizens of the State of New York; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate the Binghamton University Debate Team upon the occasion of capturing First Place at the 79th National Debate Tournament; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Debate Champions, Eli Turner-Louis and Jeremiah Cohn, and Joe Shatz, Director of the Binghamton University Debate Team.