House Concurrent Resolution 76

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE GREAT LIFE AND LEGACY OF COACH SANK POWE, JR., AND HONORING HIS LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP, EDUCATION AND MENTORSHIP AND EXPRESSING OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, "To everything there is a season, and time to every purpose under the heaven," and, as such, the grand architect of the universe, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny, has summoned the mortal presence of the legendary Coach Sank Powe, Jr., to his eternal rest, as he made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward on Sunday, January 20, 2013, rendering great sorrow and loss to the Cleveland, Mississippi, community; and

WHEREAS, although he was best known for his 25-year stint as Head Baseball Coach of the Cleveland High School Wildcats, Coach Powe was a teacher, assistant football coach and head softball coach; and

WHEREAS, his life's work reaches far beyond Cleveland High School, as he worked at the Cleveland Park Commission and was a Major League Baseball Scout in the Cincinnati Reds organization for many years; and

WHEREAS, his passion for the children of Cleveland motivated him to create the Coach Powe Community Foundation, where he coordinated the Cleveland School District Mentor Program; and

WHEREAS, he was born the second son of sharecroppers, Mr. Sank and Mrs. Sally Powe in Elizabeth, Mississippi, on April 20, 1942; and

WHEREAS, he was encouraged to attend Jackson State University (then Jackson State College), where he earned a degree in social science and health physical education and recreation and was an all-conference catcher while there; and

WHEREAS, scouted by the St. Louis Cardinals while he was a student at Jackson State University, he transitioned throughout try-outs to their Spring Camp until he hurt his arm; and

WHEREAS, a young Sank Powe began his coaching and teaching career in 1966 at East Side High School and faithfully fulfilled his duties season after season; and

WHEREAS, after just a few seasons at East Side High School, he was chosen to be a teacher and Head Baseball Coach at Cleveland High School in the fall of 1970; and

WHEREAS, this choice of Cleveland High School was historic because it was an all-white school at a time of deep racial tension; and

WHEREAS, Coach Powe mustered his courage and resiliently tackled his new duties at Cleveland by using his will, determination and personality to earn the respect of his players and everyone in the community; and

WHEREAS, although he endured criticism from both racial groups, he persevered and taught his students how to navigate through life's struggles outside of sports; and

WHEREAS, because he stayed the course at Cleveland High School, he earned the title of legend and all of the respect and admiration that follow such a title; and

WHEREAS, hailed by many as a role model, he was a mentor, a friend, an educator and a community activist; and

WHEREAS, his motto was, "The biggest room in the world is the room for improvement."; and

WHEREAS, to mourn his memory, and carry on his legacy of academic excellence, community activism and good citizenship, he leaves his daughters, Calandra and Veronika, who both value the fine legacy that their beloved father has left; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to commend such a meaningful life as that of Coach Sank Powe, whose life was dedicated to the children of this great state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the great life and legacy of Coach Sank Powe, Jr., honor his legacy of leadership, education and mentorship, and express deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

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