House Concurrent Resolution 99

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING WOODY BARNETT UPON HIS RETIREMENT AS ATHLETIC DIRECTOR OF THE PEARL PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT AND EXTENDING THE BEST WISHES OF THE LEGISLATURE.

WHEREAS, after 36 years in which he compiled a remarkable record of achievement with the Pearl Public School District, Athletic Director and Head Track and Cross-Country Coach Woody Barnett has announced that he will retire in June of this year; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure coaching track and cross-country, Barnett's teams won 43 state championships and during his tenure as athletic director, major upgrades were made to many of the district's athletic facilities, making them state-of-the-art facilities some of which are used for statewide competition; and

WHEREAS, when Barnett completed his master's degree at Mississippi College in 1977, he accepted a job as a teacher-coach in Pearl, Mississippi, and began his career in the school district where he ultimately served for his entire career; and

WHEREAS, Barnett has received numerous awards during his career, including being named Mississippi Track or Cross-Country Coach of the Year 11 times by the Mississippi Association of Coaches, induction into the Mississippi Association of Coaches Hall of Fame in 2008, being named National Boys Cross-Country Coach of the Year in 2004 by the National Federation of High School Coaches Association and being selected as Pillar of the Community by the Pearl Chamber of Commerce in 2012; and

WHEREAS, a smooth transition after his retirement has been insured as his son, Chris Barnett, was hired last year by the Pearl Public School District Board of Trustees to take over the boys cross-country and track teams; George Kersh was made head of the girls cross-country and track teams; and when the current school year ends, Assistant Principal Richard Smithhart will take over as athletic director; and

WHEREAS, he plans to remain involved in cross-country and track by serving as Meet Manager for the Mississippi High School Activities Association at its state meets and he will also be meet manager when Pearl hosts regular season meets; and

WHEREAS, Woody Barnett is thankful to God for steering him to Pearl and having a hand in everything he has accomplished, and he considers himself to be very blessed; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend outstanding careers and service of Mississippians such as Woody Barnett's exemplary career at Pearl:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Woody Barnett upon his retirement as Athletic Director of the Pearl Public School District and extend best wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Woody Barnett, the Pearl Public School District and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.