Senate Resolution 37

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING JENNIFER (JENNY) HARPER ON BEING SELECTED AS THE 2005 STATE GAMES OF MISSISSIPPI BELLSOUTH FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR.

WHEREAS, Jennifer (Jenny) Harper of Brandon, Mississippi, was selected as the 2005 State Games of Mississippi BellSouth Female Athlete of the Year; and

WHEREAS, the award seeks to honor those athletes who personify the ideals of the State Games movement, such as participation, sportsmanship, achievement, effort and positive attitude; and

WHEREAS, Jennifer (Jenny) Harper is a five-year-old from Brandon, Mississippi. Jennifer participated in the one-mile run during the 2005 State Games of Mississippi, winning a Gold Medal. After winning the race, Jenny's facial expressions, including a wide smile and verbal remarks, represents "the real deal" as far as expressing the joy of participating and winning in the 2005 State Games of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Jenny has accompanied her parents each year as they visit Meridian so that her two brothers could participate in the 2005 State Games of Mississippi. Jenny was a last-minute entrant this year and made the best of the situation. Jenny crossed the finish line in a remarkable time of 11:07; and

WHEREAS, one would think she had won the greatest prize of all time. Jenny is an extraordinary child who has worked very hard to overcome the inability to speak until the age of four. It was only with the intense therapy for a developmentally delayed speech impediment that she was able to overcome this problem. This goal was accomplished with the constant help of faithful and dedicated parents who showed their love and support as she struggled to cope with and overcome this difficulty; and

WHEREAS, Jenny's participation in the one-mile run and winning the Gold Medal has made a major contribution to Jenny's increased level of confidence and a feeling of accomplishment that will be remembered for the remainder of her life; and

WHEREAS, Jenny demonstrates the true spirit of the State Games of Mississippi as she is committed to doing her best, enjoys the competition and has respect for the athletes, volunteers and staff who work, plan and implement this annual classic; and

WHEREAS, it is with pride that we recognize and commend this young amateur athlete who has brought honor to her community and to her state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Jennifer Harper on being selected as the 2005 State Games of Mississippi BellSouth Female Athlete of the Year and express our heartiest wishes for continued success in all her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Jennifer Harper, and made available to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.