Senate Resolution 4

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MS. EVELYN BENDER OF NEWTON, MISSISSIPPI, FOR HER ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN HIGH SCHOOL, COLLEGE AND PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL, AND UPON HER INDUCTION INTO THE JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME.

WHEREAS, Evelyn Bender, a native of Lawrence and an outstanding athlete who graduated from Newton High School and went on to play professional sports, was recognized for her accomplishments at a presentation on the basketball court at Newton High School on Friday, December 12, 2003; and

WHEREAS, Evelyn graduated from Newton High School in 1974, from East Central Community College in 1976 and from Jackson State University in 1979; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Bender played professional women's basketball with the Washington Metros and the New York Stars and was inducted into the Jackson State University Athletic Hall of Fame on September 27, 2002; and

WHEREAS, she still holds the record at East Central Community College for points scored in the fewest number of games. In 1976, when Bender was playing for East Central Community College, the girls' basketball team won the State Championship and Bender received All-State and All-Region honors; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Evelyn Bender has been inducted into the East Central Community College Hall of Fame. She is an active member of the Jerusalem Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, one of ten children of Christine Bender and the late N.B. Bender of Lawrence, Evelyn cannot recall a time when sports was not important to her; and

WHEREAS, Bender graduated in 1974, so her high school basketball career began about the time the 1960s rock group, The McCoys, recorded the classic rock song "Hang on Snoopy." At ballgames, the students changed the lyrics slightly and chanted "Hang on Snoopy, Snoopy hang on" in honor of her nickname; and

WHEREAS, she played with the Metros in 1979-1980; after that, there was a dispersal draft and she played for the New York Stars and her team won the championship of the Professional Women's Basketball League; Bender returned to Mississippi, re-enrolled at Jackson State University and received a bachelor's degree in physical education in 1982. Returning to Newton, she began working with the Newton Municipal School District. Over the years she has been the assistant basketball coach, assistant softball and track and field coach, and has done some of everything, from driving a school bus to working as a substitute teacher; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the career of this Mississippi athlete who has brought honor to her school, her community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Ms. Evelyn Bender of Newton, Mississippi, for her accomplishments in high school, college and professional women's basketball, and upon the occasion of her induction into the Jackson State University Athletic Hall of Fame, we wish her continued success in her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Ms. Bender and her family and be made available to the Newton Record and the Capitol Press Corps.