Resolution 260657

..Title Honoring and congratulating the Science Leadership Academy/Palumbo Girls Lacrosse Team upon winning the 2026 Philadelphia Public League Girls Lacrosse Championship, recognizing their undefeated season, outstanding athletic achievement, leadership, perseverance, and positive impact as role models in their school and community. ..Body WHEREAS, The Science Leadership Academy/Palumbo Girls Lacrosse Team, known as the Rockets, achieved an extraordinary milestone by capturing the 2026 Philadelphia Public League Girls Lacrosse Championship with a thrilling 12-11 double-overtime victory over Olney High School on May 18, 2026; and WHEREAS, The team completed a remarkable undefeated season with an overall record of 11-0 and a perfect 5-0 record in league play, establishing themselves among the top girl's lacrosse programs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the nation; and WHEREAS, The championship victory was the culmination of months of dedication, discipline, teamwork, resilience, and determination demonstrated by every student-athlete throughout the season; and WHEREAS, Under the leadership of Head Coach Kacey Kelly, a licensed professional school counselor, licensed therapist, and experienced lacrosse coach, the team cultivated a culture of excellence, accountability, sportsmanship, and mutual support that enabled each player to thrive both on and off the field; and WHEREAS, Athletics provides young people with opportunities to develop confidence, leadership skills, perseverance, time management, and a commitment to collective success, while fostering lifelong friendships and bonds that extend far beyond competition; and WHEREAS, The members of the Rockets Lacrosse Team serve as positive examples for their peers and younger students, demonstrating that hard work, dedication, and teamwork can overcome obstacles and lead to extraordinary accomplishments; and WHEREAS, The student-athletes have represented their schools, families, and communities with distinction and have shown that participation in sports strengthens neighborhoods by encouraging mentorship, civic engagement, personal growth, and community pride; and WHEREAS, The championship roster includes: Kimanii Santiago, Junior, #7, Midfield; Asiyah Randall, Junior, #4, Midfield; Rowan Bastien, Sophomore, #38, Midfield; Allison Hogan, Junior, #1, Defense; Ava Weldon, Freshman, #10, Defense; Carson Bass, Junior, #35, Midfield; Celeste Pettit, Freshman, #2, Defense; Chelsea Rubin, Senior, #12, Attack; Hannah Welson, Senior, #14, Goalie; Jasmine Thepnarong, Junior, #27, Attack; Kareema Broady, Junior, #14, Defense; Madeline Quinn, Sophomore, #39, Midfield; Margot Schmukler, Junior, #33, Defense; Sara Shaaban, Junior, #32, Attack; Selah Varso, Junior, #18, Goalie; Sophia Plastaras, Sophomore, #28, Defense; Tatiana Korotinsky, Sophomore, #41, Defense; Tianna Coffey, Freshman, #25, Attack; Vivienne Plastaras, Freshman, #11, Defense; Aster Chau, Senior, #18, Attack; and Yovanna Rodriguez, Junior, #45, Attack; and WHEREAS, Philadelphia proudly recognizes the achievements of these talented young women whose success reflects strength, diversity, and determination; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors and congratulates the Science Leadership Academy/Palumbo Girls Lacrosse Team for winning the 2026 Philadelphia Public League Girls Lacrosse Championship, recognizes their undefeated season and historic accomplishment, and commends them for serving as outstanding ambassadors for their schools and communities. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to the Rockets and Head Coach Kacey Kelly as evidence of the sincere admiration and respect of the Council of the City of Philadelphia. ..End