WHEREAS, the 2016 - 2017 Salem High School forensics team claimed the program's 12th consecutive state title, winning the Virginia High School League Group 4A state championship in 2017; and

WHEREAS, the Salem High School forensics team won its first state championship in 2004, and has ably defended its title for more than a decade; and

WHEREAS, the members of the 2016 - 2017 Salem High School forensics team, Skyler Allen, Jordan Barker, Rachel Chaos, Abbie Coleman, Katie Conklin, Adalynn Eller, Kyle Fauber, AnnElese Galleo, Ashby Garst, Meredith Hicks, Sami Hoyer, Alayna Johnson, Sam Kennedy, Rachel Massey, Emma Painter, Alex Perdue, Sydney Pettit, Phoebe Stevens, Moss Stratton, Emma Studtmann, and Charlie Wallace, all contributed to the team's success; and

WHEREAS, the 2016 - 2017 Salem High School forensics team reached the finals and achieved first place in multiple events; and

WHEREAS, the victorious season is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all of the Salem High School forensics team members and the dogged leadership of coach Mark Ingerson and assistant coaches and staff members who inspire the team to strive for excellence year after year; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the 2016 - 2017 Salem High School forensics team hereby be commended on winning the Virginia High School League Group 4A state championship in 2017; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Mark Ingerson, head coach of the Salem High School forensics team, as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the team's incredible accomplishments.