House Resolution 124

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE EXCEPTIONAL COACHING AND EDUCATIONAL CAREER OF MR. ROOSEVELT D. HODGES.

WHEREAS, an exceptional leader, the unparalleled coaching career of Mr. Roosevelt D. Hodges spanned 37 years, providing Coach Hodges the opportunity to shape the lives of countless young people as they learned the value of hard work, dedication and fair play; and

WHEREAS, Coach Hodges illustrious career began at Rosa Fort High School, in Tunica, Mississippi, from October 1971 to May of 1984, when he took leave from Tunica County, to share his coaching and teaching prowess with the young people within the Memphis Legacy School System, from August 1984 to June of 1992, and climaxing his esteemed career with the Holly Springs School System, from August 1992 to June 2008, when he made the decision to retire from coaching and teaching to enjoy the lighter years of retirement; and

WHEREAS, Coach Hodges served as an exceptional leader for the many students in his charge, coaching track, swimming, football, baseball and basketball, in addition to teaching physical education and driver's education, his greatest joy came from teaching young people the many lessons of life, so that they could not only live up to their potential, but exceed it and enjoy the many blessings of life; and

WHEREAS, a man of strong faith, Coach Hodges remains active in serving his church, Pigsah Baptist Church, where he and his family have been faithful members for many years; and

WHEREAS, Coach Hodges and his loving wife, Mrs. Brenda Hodges, raised three sons in their love and care, Selwyne Hodges, Roosevelt Hodges and Antoinne Simpson, each of whom grew up learning Coach Hodges' many life lessons, which enabled them to achieve their own dreams and the dreams their loving parents had for them; and

WHEREAS, in retirement, Coach Hodges especially enjoys visiting with former players, though some live far across the State of Mississippi, and even across the country, he enjoys hearing of their many successes knowing of his own special role in their lives, including Representative Cedric Burnett, of the Mississippi House of Representatives, who remembers Coach Hodges fondly and now champions the causes of the individual who once was his champion; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize outstanding leaders like Coach Hodges, whose dedication to teaching and bettering the lives of young people brings great pride to Tunica County, and to the entire State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the exceptional coaching career of Coach Roosevelt D. Hodges, and extend best wishes for continued success in all endeavors and many years of good health and prosperity to come.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Coach Roosevelt D. Hodges and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.