Bill Text: VA HJR704 | 2013 | Regular Session | Enrolled

Virginia House Joint Resolution 704 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: Commending Will Woodward.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2013-01-24 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ704ER) [HJR704 Detail]

Download: Virginia-2013-HJR704-Enrolled.html

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 704 Commending Will Woodward.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 18, 2013 Agreed to by the Senate, January 24, 2013

WHEREAS, Will Woodward, a senior at Atlee High School, received the Boy Scouts of America's highest honor, the Honor Medal with Crossed Palms, for his heroic actions to save his friend; and

WHEREAS, the Honor Medal with Crossed Palms, created in 1938, is awarded to those Boy Scouts or leaders who demonstrate outstanding heroism and great skill in saving another at extreme risk to self; and

WHEREAS, on August 11, 2011, Will Woodward and his friends were enjoying the water at the James River when his friend, Cole Sydnor, hit his head on a rock after jumping into the water; and

WHEREAS, the impact of the blow left Cole Sydnor with a severed spinal cord and a deep gash on his head that was bleeding profusely; and

WHEREAS, Will Woodward jumped into the water, along with other friends Griffin Carmichael and David Crytser, to pull Cole Sydnor to safety; and

WHEREAS, Will Woodward then relied upon his Boy Scout training and directed bystanders in the rescue effort that saved his friend's life; and

WHEREAS, Will Woodward received the Honor Medal with Crossed Palms at a special ceremony at the Heart of Virginia Council of the Boy Scouts of America on November 15, 2012, with his friend, Cole Sydnor, in attendance; and

WHEREAS, Will Woodward became just the 278th person in the Boy Scouts of America's history to earn the prestigious award since its creation in 1938; and

WHEREAS, a loyal, helpful, and brave young man, Will Woodward exemplifies the ideals of the Boys Scouts of America; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Will Woodward on his heroic actions that resulted in his receiving the Boy Scouts of America's Honor Medal with Crossed Palms; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Will Woodward as an expression of the General Assembly's respect and admiration for his outstanding skill and courage in saving the life of another.