Bill Text: MS SC608 | 2016 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commend Hope Berry upon being selected the 2015 State Games AT&T Female Athlete of the Year.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 5-3)
Status: (Passed) 2016-03-18 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC608 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2016-SC608-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2016 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Carmichael, Barnett, Burton, Dearing, Frazier, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Watson
Senate Concurrent Resolution 608
(As Adopted by Senate and House)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING HOPE BERRY ON BEING SELECTED AS THE 2015 STATE GAMES OF MISSISSIPPI AT&T FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR.
WHEREAS, based on the national program, the State Games of Mississippi established the annual "Athlete of the Year" Award to recognize Mississippi's amateur athletes. Coaches, officials, athletes, volunteers and spectators nominated one male and one female athlete from each of the 37 sports for the award. The nominated athletes personify the ideals of the State Games movement, such as participation, sportsmanship, special attributes, achievements, efforts and positive attitudes; and
WHEREAS, seventh grader Hope Berry started her Martial Arts career when she was five, and, after a year of Tae kwon do, she turned her attention to karate. Training under Master Don Gober, Hope trained for six years every Tuesday and Thursday night at the dojo, plus hours and hours at home. By age 11, Hope was the youngest person (male or female) to rank up to First Degree Black Belt, a feat that took some 1,300 hours of training; and
WHEREAS, she was the 2010 Fall State Champion at the Southern Martial Arts Championship (SMAC), the 2012 and 2014 Spring and Fall State Champion at SMAC, the 2013 Mississippi Karate Association (MKA) State Champion in KATA and Sparring, the 2014 MKA State Champion in Weapons and Sparring, the 2014 Grand Champion at the Battle of Mobile in Alabama and the 2015 Gold Medal Winner in KATA and Weapons at the State Games of Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, Hope has competed in the State Games of America, finishing in the Top Five in three events. She was also the Flag Bearer for the State of Mississippi. Hope considers one of her most significant accomplishments being asked to speak to the International Karate and Kickball Hall of Fame, introducing Marcellius Gunn. Gunn teaches in the Memphis area and offers free classes for inner-city kids. Hope was so inspired by Gunn that she now uses her night off from training to go into the dojo to work with lower rank students on basics; and
WHEREAS, she has shown her community building spirit since a young age. When she was eight, Hope started a fundraiser called "Kick Out Cancer" to raise funds for Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children in Jackson. Her efforts raised more than $12,500.00 for the hospital; and
WHEREAS, this year, the State Games are honoring athletes from 37 sports from the 2015 State Games of Mississippi. From these 37 athletes, only two are chosen to receive the honor of "Athlete of the Year." 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, Hope Berry 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 Hope Berry on being selected as the 2015 State Games of Mississippi AT&T Female Athlete of the Year and extend best wishes to Hope, her family and sponsors on this honor.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Hope Berry and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
