Senate Resolution 45

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING COACH ROBERT L. ERVES, JR., FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE VICKSBURG WARREN SCHOOL DISTRICT AND CONGRATULATING HIM UPON HIS RETIREMENT.

WHEREAS, Coach Robert L. Erves, Jr., will retire as an employee of the Vicksburg Warren School District at the end of the 2003-2004 academic year, after more than 28 years of dedicated service; and

WHEREAS, a 1971 graduate of Warren Central High School, Coach Erves, in furtherance of his educational goals, entered Mississippi Valley State University in 1972, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Arts in 1976 and his Master of Science degree in Industrial Arts from Jackson State University in 1986, in addition to completing certificate programs at Alcorn State University and State of Mississippi Training; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from Mississippi Valley State University, Coach Erves was offered the opportunity to become a free agent with the Dallas Cowboys football organization, but after careful consideration, decided to return home and accept a job coaching; and

WHEREAS, at the commencement of his teaching career in 1976, Coach Erves began as an instructor of industrial arts and assistant eighth-grade football coach, but very quickly broadened his curriculum to include teaching Tech Prep and Technology Discovery, as well as rising in rank in the coaching arena; and

WHEREAS, while serving as an eighth-grade head coach, Coach Erves went undefeated, and his total coaching career boasts an impressive record of 235 wins and 87 losses; and

WHEREAS, believing in a system of fairness and impartiality, Coach Erves has received many honors and recognitions, including recognition by the Vicksburg Warren School Board for cosponsoring SECME and winning a national competition in 1993, recognition by the Mississippi State Department of Vocational Education as the technology instructor directing the oldest chapter of Technology Students Association in the State of Mississippi in 2000, and was honored by Vicksburg Homecoming and Benevolent as a Community STAR for making a positive difference in education in 2003; and

WHEREAS, he has dedicated his life to helping others, serving as a volunteer helper with the Salvation Army, YMCA, DARE, GREAT and a mentor to Children at Risk; and

WHEREAS, a devoted husband, Coach Erves is married to Dr. I.V. Woodson Erves, and together they have two children, Tamonjia Renee’ and Roderick Aaron; and

WHEREAS, Coach Erves has gone above and beyond the call of duty in his efforts of assuring that his students and athletes are equipped with the necessary education and life skills to make them successful and prosperous citizens; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize and commend this outstanding educator who has dedicated so many years of his life to developing and cultivating the minds and bodies of the many young Mississippians with whom he has come in contact during his illustrious career:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Coach Robert L. Erves, Jr., upon his retirement after 28 years of dedicated service to the Vicksburg Warren School District, and we extend to him our heartiest wishes for success in all his future endeavors.

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