Senate Resolution 19

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING RACHEL RENEE GIVAN OF RIDGELAND HIGH SCHOOL ON BEING SELECTED AS THE CLARION-LEDGER'S 2006 CO-SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR FOR ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS.

WHEREAS, Ms. Rachel Givan, an outstanding senior at Ridgeland High School, has been chosen as the 2006 Co-Sportsperson of the Year by The Clarion-Ledger, which is the first time that the award has been bestowed on high school athletes; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Givan, who has an impressive 3.5 grade point average, has led Ridgeland High School to four consecutive Class 4A State Championships in soccer, and she was a starter on the 2005 Under-17 United States National Team; and

WHEREAS, known for her speed, quickness, strength, power and agility, Ms. Givan has received numerous awards, some of which are as follows: Mississippi's Overall Player of the Year 2005; The Clarion-Ledger's Miss Soccer 2005; 4A Soccer Player of the Year; Gatorade Soccer Player of the Year; Wendy's Heisman Nominee; Parade High School All-American 2006; All-District 5 times -- 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007; Mississippi Association of Coaches All-State, 3 times -- 2003, 2004 and 2005; Mississippi Association of Coaches 4A Player of the Year, 3 times -- 2003, 2004 and 2005; The Clarion-Ledger All-State Team, 3 times -- 2005, 2006 and 2007; National Soccer Coaches Association of America-NSCAA/Adidas All-American, 4 times -- 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007; 16 and under, 17 and under, US National Team Member -- 2004-2006; Pop Warner, Pop-Star Finalist, 5 times -- 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007; University of North Carolina, full scholarship; and Captain of 5-time defending 4A State Champions, Ridgeland Titans; and

WHEREAS, Rachel excels on the soccer field; she also is committed to her community where she has volunteered at a shelter home, the Ridgeland soccer camp, Mississippi Fire soccer camp, and Top Soccer which is soccer for children with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Givan's superior athletic abilities have enabled her to travel all over the world, playing in tournaments as far away as Massachusetts and Brazil where she performed superbly; and

WHEREAS, although Ms. Givan has received worldwide attention, she has brought additional honor to Ridgeland High School and Coach Josh Avenmarg by displaying a winning and cooperative spirit and a superb degree of sportsmanship both on and off the soccer field; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this outstanding young soccer star, who has brought honor to her school, 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. Rachel Renee Givan on being selected as The Clarion-Ledger's 2006 Co-Sportsperson of the Year and extend our best wishes to her and her family on all of her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Ms. Rachel Givan, Ridgeland High School and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.