Senate Resolution 41

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION TO COMMEND AND CONGRATULATE LYDIA RICE UPON BEING SELECTED BELLSOUTH FEMALE SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR AT THE 2002 STATE GAMES OF MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, Lydia Rice, a 14-year-old track and field participant in the 2002 State Games of Mississippi from Tupelo, Mississippi, has been selected as the BellSouth Female Sportsman of the Year; and

WHEREAS, Lydia competed in her second State Games in 2002 in track and field and has participated in this sport for five years; and

WHEREAS, her results in the 2002 State Games were one Silver Medal in the 400-meters, and Gold Medals in the 100-meter hurdles, the high jump and the 4x100 relay; and

WHEREAS, Lydia recorded a new record in the high jump for the State Games of Mississippi with 4 feet 9 inches in the 13-14-year-old age division, and in the 100 meter hurdles she ran a time of 18.5 seconds; and

WHEREAS, Lydia has been very focused in her preparation in these events, working hard to learn the technical aspects; she is an all-around athlete, having been a member of the Tupelo Select Soccer Team for several years; she also was All-State in the Mississippi High School Athletic Association 5A Cross Country Meet, finishing 9th overall; and was the 3rd Tupelo High School runner, helping Tupelo win the 5A championship; and

WHEREAS, Lydia is an honor student and active in her church youth group and choir; and

WHEREAS, the BellSouth Sportsman of the Year Award honors the foremost Male and Female Sportsman of the Year, who represent the true spirit of competition, and Lydia was selected for her athletic accomplishments and her exemplary sportsmanship toward all participants; and

WHEREAS, it is with pride that we recognize this outstanding student athlete who brings 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 Lydia Rice of Tupelo, Mississippi, for her accomplishments in being selected as the 2002 BellSouth Female Sportsman of the Year, and wish her continued success in her future athletic and academic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Lydia and her family and be made available to the Tupelo Daily Journal and the Capitol Press Corps.