House Concurrent Resolution 54

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING RACHEL RENEE GIVAN ON BEING SELECTED AS THE CLARION-LEDGER'S 2006 CO-SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR AND COMMENDING HER ON ALL OF HER ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS.

WHEREAS, Ms. Rachel Givan, an outstanding senior at Ridgeland High School, has been chosen as the 2006 Co-sportsperson of the Year by The Clarion-Ledger, which is the first time that the award has been bestowed on high school athletes; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Givan, who has an impressive 3.5 grade point average, has led Ridgeland High School to four consecutive Class 4A State Championships in soccer, and she was a starter on the 2005 Under-17 United States National Team; and

WHEREAS, known for her speed, quickness, strength, power and agility, Ms. Givan has received numerous awards, some of which are as follows: Mississippi's Overall Player of the Year 2005, The Clarion-Ledger's Miss Soccer 2005, 4A Soccer Player of the Year, Gatorade Soccer Player of the Year, Wendy's Heisman Nominee, Pop-Star Award for soccer, and Parade High School All American 2006; and

WHEREAS, although Ms. Givan excels on the soccer field, she also exudes commitment to her community where she has volunteered at a shelter home, the Ridgeland soccer camp, Mississippi Fire soccer camp, and Top Soccer which is soccer for children with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Givan, whose superior athletic abilities have caused her to travel all over the world, playing in tournaments as far away as Massachusetts as well as in Brazil where she performed superbly; and

WHEREAS, although Ms. Givan has received worldwide attention, she has brought additional honor to Ridgeland High School and Coach Josh Avenmarg by displaying a winning and cooperative spirit and a superb degree of sportsmanship both on and off the soccer field; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend an outstanding young person of our state, such as Ms. Givan, who has made remarkable accomplishments both in her academics, as well as on the soccer field:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Ms. Rachel Renee Givan on being selected as The Clarion-Ledger's 2006 Co-sportsperson of the Year and extend heartiest wishes on all of her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Ms. Rachel Givan, Ridgeland High School and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.