Senate Concurrent Resolution 587

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING VALERIE SMITH ON BEING SELECTED AS THE 2017 STATE GAMES OF MISSISSIPPI AT&T FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR.

WHEREAS, based on the national program, the State Games of Mississippi established the annual "Athlete of the Year" Award to recognize Mississippi's amateur athletes. Coaches, officials, athletes, volunteers, and spectators nominated one male and one female athlete from each of the 37 sports for the award. The nominated athletes personify the ideals of the State Games movement, such as participation, sportsmanship, special attributes, achievements, efforts, and positive attitudes; and

WHEREAS, Valerie Smith is handy with guns. In fact, she entered .22 Precision Long Rifle, 3-Gun Challenge and Pistol events and was the Overall Top Shooter and High Lady in all events. Valerie has been in the sport for nine years and began shooting to spend more time with her husband, and now shooting is her passion. "It is important for beginners to learn the heart of the sport," she said. She mentors younger shooters at Battlefield Shooting Range in Collinsville. A Registered Nurse, Valerie volunteers with Relay for Life with East Mississippi State Hospital; and

WHEREAS, in a male-dominated sport, she really stands out, because she is always looking to top her last score. She was the 2017 Mississippi 3-Gun Nation State Champion High Lady. Valerie is also a Firearm Instructor for concealed carry courses and to receive enhanced carry endorsement; and

WHEREAS, this year, the State Games are honoring athletes from 37 sports from the 2017 State Games of Mississippi. From these 37 athletes, only three are chosen to receive the honor of "Athlete of the Year." The chosen "Athletes of the Year" will visit the State Capitol in Jackson, where the Governor will bestow them with a recognition of their achievement and they will have the honor and fame of lighting the torch at the 2018 State Games of Mississippi Opening Ceremonies. The State Games keeps its entry fees low primarily through the generous donations of sponsors, including Founding Gold Sponsor: Meridian Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Rush Hospital; and Gold Sponsors: AT&T, BlueCross BlueShield of Mississippi, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians/Pearl River Resort, Meridian-Lauderdale County Tourism Bureau/Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors, Structural Steel, WTOK-TV, The Meridian Star and WMDN/WGBC-TV; and

WHEREAS, Valerie Smith is an excellent role model for a balanced and healthy lifestyle. She is the perfect example of fitness and dedication that the State Games of Mississippi promotes, and it is with great pride that we recognize this Mississippi citizen who has brought honor to her community and state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Valerie Smith on being selected as the 2017 State Games of Mississippi AT&T Female Athlete of the Year, and extend best wishes to Valerie, her family and sponsors on this honor.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Valerie Smith and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.