Bill Text: VA HR166 | 2024 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Ethan Matthew Pitts, Jr.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)
Status: (Passed) 2024-02-26 - Bill text as passed House (HR166ER) [HR166 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-HR166-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Ethan Matthew Pitts, Jr., a dedicated educator, compassionate counselor for children with special needs, and youth athletics coach who was a fixture in the Virginia Special Olympics for 15 years, died on May 31, 2023; and
WHEREAS, a native of Richmond, Ethan Matthew "Matt" Pitts, Jr., was a talented multisport athlete in his youth and graduated from John Marshall High School, where he was a standout member of the football team; he earned all-district, all-metro, and all-state honors for his skill as a placekicker; and
WHEREAS, Matt Pitts earned a scholarship to Hampton University, where he played on the football team for four years while he completed his bachelor's degree; and
WHEREAS, Matt Pitts worked as a physical education and health teacher at Albert Hill Middle School and also served as a part-time counselor for special needs children at the Virginia Home for Boys and Girls; and
WHEREAS, Matt Pitts began his coaching career as a graduate assistant coach at Hampton University; he later coached at Virginia State University, Thomas Jefferson High School, and the Maggie L. Walker Governor's School; and
WHEREAS, Matt Pitts was a member of the RVA Umpire Group and used his expertise to umpire youth baseball games and referee youth basketball games in the area; and
WHEREAS, Matt Pitts was especially active with the Richmond delegation to the Virginia Special Olympics as its longtime track coach and guided his teams to multiple victories; and
WHEREAS, Matt Pitts built strong, lasting relationships with his young athletes and inspired them to achieve their fullest potential in all their endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Matt Pitts enjoyed fellowship and worship with the community as a lifelong member of Bethlehem Baptist Church; and
WHEREAS, Matt Pitts will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his son, Ethan III; his parents, Ethan, Sr., and Gwendolyn; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Ethan Matthew Pitts, Jr., a dedicated teacher and coach in Richmond; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Ethan Matthew Pitts, Jr., as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.
