MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2006 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Snowden, Baker (74th), Dickson, Horne, Moore, Robinson (84th), Rogers (61st), Rotenberry, Smith (59th), Weathersby, Young

House Resolution 67

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING JENNIFER HARPER ON BEING SELECTED AS THE 2005 BELLSOUTH FEMALE SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR.

     WHEREAS, Jennifer (Jenny) Harper of Brandon, Mississippi, was selected as the 2005 BellSouth Female Sportsman of the Year for the State Games of Mississippi; and

     WHEREAS, this distinguished award seeks to honor athletes who personify the ideals of the State Games, such as participation, sportsmanship, achievement, effort and positive attitude; and

     WHEREAS, Jenny, who is a delightful and determined five-year-old, participated in the State Games and won a gold medal for the one-mile run; and

     WHEREAS, after winning the gold medal, Jenny's wide and beautiful smile and verbal remarks embodied the spirit and the essence of expressing the joy of participating and winning in the State Games; and

     WHEREAS, as a last minute entrant of the games, Jenny beat the odds and crossed the finish line with the exceptional time of eleven minutes and seven seconds; and

     WHEREAS, Jenny has not only been victorious in the State Games, she has been victorious in overcoming a life challenge at the age of four by overcoming her inability to speak; and

     WHEREAS, a testament of the strong family ties and encouragement that she is surrounded by, Jenny had the unwavering love of her dedicated parents who supported her in her efforts as she undertook intensive speech therapy; and

     WHEREAS, Jenny continues to have her confidence built by not only participating in the State Games but by winning the coveted gold medal for the one-mile run; and

     WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend a remarkable and determined young person such as Jennifer Harper who demonstrates that no matter the age of an individual, with persistence any challenge can be conquered:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Ms. Jennifer Harper on being selected as the 2005 BellSouth Female Sportsman of the Year and express our heartiest wishes for continued success in all her future endeavors.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Ms. Jennifer Harper and to members of the Capitol Press Corps.