MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2015 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Carmichael, Burton, Butler (38th), Frazier, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Lee, Parker, Simmons (12th)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING LAUREN O. PICKETT ON BEING SELECTED AS THE 2014 STATE GAMES OF MISSISSIPPI AT&T FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR.
WHEREAS, each year, the State Games of Mississippi nominates an outstanding male and female athlete from each individual sport. These athletes are chosen for merit and sportsmanship; and
WHEREAS, this year, the State Games are honoring athletes from 34 sports from the 2014 State Games of Mississippi. From these 34 athletes, only two are chosen to receive the honor of "Athlete of the Year." The nominated athletes personify the ideals of the State Games movement, such as participation, sportsmanship, special attributes, achievements, efforts and positive attitudes. The chosen "Athletes of the Year" will visit the State Capitol in Jackson, where the Governor will bestow them with a recognition of their achievement and they will have the honor and fame of lighting the torch at the 2015 State Games of Mississippi Opening Ceremonies. The State Games keeps its entry fees low primarily through the generous donations of sponsors, including Founding Gold Sponsor: Meridian Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Rush Hospital; and Gold Sponsors: AT&T, Maples Gas, City of Meridian, McDonald's, Meridian-Lauderdale County Tourism Bureau/Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors, Structural Steel, WTOK-TV and WMDN/WGBC-TV; and
WHEREAS, Lauren was seven when she started playing softball. Her older sister, Bailey, has played softball since she was nine and encouraged her to play. Since she began playing softball it has become her passion. Lauren has been playing softball for five years and has participated in State Games for the last five years. She won a State Games Gold Medal in both 2013 and 2014; and
WHEREAS, Lauren was born premature (five weeks early). She weighed 4 pounds 9 ounces and was 16-1/2 inches long. She remained in NICU for two weeks before she came home. She was born with a heart murmur requiring monthly checkups. In December 2002 she had her first open-heart surgery at Children's Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas; and
WHEREAS, at two years of age she had kidney reflux and underwent a bilateral reimplantation of her kidney. Again at the age of nine, she endured a second open-heart surgery for subaortic membrane. Lauren is currently on checkup status with a heart murmur; and
WHEREAS, Lauren played with Kreative Air during the 2014 State Games. The Championship Ballgame was tied 8-8 and Lauren was last at bat. Lauren drove in the winning run with a double for 1st Place. Lauren also pitched both of the games she played during State Games. Kreative Air won the Gold Medal; and
WHEREAS, Lauren is self-taught in Fast Pitch Softball. She has had no formal training. In her five years playing softball Lauren has won 17 medals total; and
WHEREAS, this year she made the Southeast Softball Team and can play any position. Of all the positions Lauren is able to play she enjoys playing 1st base, 3rd base and pitcher the most. She played and won her first game with Southeast June 9, 2015; and
WHEREAS, she is a lifelong member of Hawkins Memorial United Methodist Church in Meridian, Mississippi. She is also in the Choir; and
WHEREAS, Lauren O. Pickett is an excellent role model for a balanced and healthy lifestyle. She is the perfect example of fitness and dedication that the State Games of Mississippi promotes, and it is with great pride that we recognize this Mississippi citizen who has brought honor to her community and state:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Lauren O. Pickett on being selected as the 2014 State Games of Mississippi AT&T Female Athlete of the Year and extend best wishes to Lauren, her family and sponsors on this honor.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Lauren O. Pickett and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.