SR 209

2026 Regular Session  ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 209
BY SENATORS PRESSLY, BASS, CATHEY, JENKINS, MILLER, MYERS,
  SEABAUGH AND TALBOT
  A RESOLUTION
To commend and congratulate Sanil Savita Thorat on being recognized as Louisiana's 2026
       Elementary Student of the Year.
       WHEREAS, the state Department of Education and the Louisiana Board of
Elementary and Secondary Education have selected a Caddo Parish student as one of three
2026 Louisiana Students of the Year; and
       WHEREAS, this year's elementary winner is Sanil Savita Thorat, a fifth grader at
Fairfield Magnet School in Caddo Parish; and
       WHEREAS, Sanil is an accomplished speller who has earned a place at the Scripps
2026 National Spelling Bee and received top honors at the regional level; and
       WHEREAS, in addition to his educational accomplishments, he also previously
completed the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge, performs piano in recitals at
venues including nursing homes and churches, has earned recognition in music competitions,
and competes as a runner in track and field; and
       WHEREAS, a day after learning the news of his achievement, Sanil was surprised
with a pep rally at his school where he thanked his parents, older brothers, teachers, and
classmates, and described the pep rally as a "great, great event"; and
       WHEREAS, students of the year competitions require the students to first compete
at the school system level and then advance to regional and state competition levels; and
       WHEREAS, students are chosen based on criteria that measure academic
achievements, leadership, character, and service to their school and community; and
       WHEREAS, students are also evaluated based upon electronic portfolios, student
writings, and interviews conducted to assess communication and critical thinking skills; and
       WHEREAS, this ten year old describes his future plans by saying "My name, Sanil,
in Sanskrit literally means gift, so I want to fulfill what my mom destined for me by being
a gift to the world, and being a doctor is one of the best steps in trying to do that"; and
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SR NO. 209  ENROLLED
       WHEREAS, he also aspires to volunteer with organizations focused on community
wellness; and
       WHEREAS, Sanil opened a small library with free books at the community garden
where he volunteers; and
       WHEREAS, a very grateful Sanil wants to thank Fairfield Magnet School, Caddo
Parish, the state Department of Education, and the Louisiana Board of Elementary and
Secondary Education for the opportunities given to students through the Student of the Year
competitions; and
       WHEREAS, Sanil Savita Thorat has certainly earned the honor of this award and the
acknowledgment of this awesome accomplishment.
       THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby commend and congratulate Sanil Savita Thorat on being recognized as
Louisiana's 2026 Elementary Student of the Year, does hereby record for posterity his
accomplishment, and extends its best wishes for continued success and happiness in his
future endeavors.
       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to Sanil
Savita Thorat.
  PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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