House Resolution 81

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING MS. SHANIEKA COLEMAN FOR HER MANY ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS.

WHEREAS, Ms. Shanieka Coleman's outstanding athletic career began in sixth grade when she and her teammates won the girls district basketball championship; since that triumphant day she has regularly reaffirmed her commitment to being a top athlete and student, leading her to many more moments of excellence and achievement; and

WHEREAS, a supreme athlete, Ms. Coleman discovered her natural speed in the seventh grade while competing on the school track team and by the time she reached eighth grade her skills were honed and she won the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 1A Track State Championship in the 100-meter dash, repeating the feat in her ninth grade year, in addition to showing off her adaptability by also winning the championship title in the 400-meter relay; and

WHEREAS, as a sophomore Ms. Coleman again won the 400-meter relay but placed second in the 100-meter dash, but upon entering her junior track season Ms. Coleman committed herself to redeeming her second place finish caused by pre-race confusion, studied the starter's techniques and again proved her mettle, winning first place in the 100-meter dash and first place in the 400-meter relay; and

WHEREAS, in addition to her many championships and successes at home in Mississippi, Ms. Coleman has also found success on the international stage, representing the United States at the Summer Deaflympics and bringing home a silver medal in the 200-meter dash and honor to the State of Mississippi and the entire country; and

WHEREAS, as a student at the Mississippi School for the Deaf she has overcome many challenges and obstacles, but her success is not limited to the basketball court or track; Ms. Coleman excels in the classroom as evidenced by her earning a full scholarship to attend Galluadet University after her high school career is complete; and

WHEREAS, an outstanding student and athlete, she will further her international athletic profile by attending a week-long camp for the USA Deaf Track and Field Team in Austin, Texas, in preparation for her return to the Summer Deaflympics in Samsun, Turkey; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor the achievements of student athletes such as Ms. Shanieka Coleman who has brought honor to her school, her community, the State of Mississippi and the entire United States of America:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Ms. Shanieka Coleman for her many outstanding athletic achievements and extend best wishes for continued success in all of her future athletic and academic endeavors, particularly as she represents her proud country in the Summer Deaflympics in Samsun, Turkey.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Ms. Shanieka Coleman, Mississippi School for the Deaf Athletic Director Holly Reichle and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.