SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5036 Offered June 6, 2006 Commending Michael Morrison. ---------- Patrons-- Blevins and Rerras; Delegate: Cosgrove ----------

WHEREAS, Michael Morrison, an exemplary senior track and field athlete at Great Bridge High School in Chesapeake, is recognized as the Gatorade Virginia Track and Field Athlete of the Year in 2005; and

WHEREAS, Michael Morrison's recent accolades in track and field include a scholarship to the University of Florida, selection to the National Youth Team USA, and recognition as a USA Today High School All-American; and

WHEREAS, Michael Morrison is the Virginia state champion and state record holder in the pole vault and was the top point scorer for the Great Bridge Wildcats 2005 Outdoor Track and Field Virginia State Championship; and

WHEREAS, during his highly successful 2005-2006 season, Michael Morrison has set meet records at the Virginia Indoor State Championships with a pole vault of 17 feet, ½ inch; at the Taco Bell Classic in Columbia, South Carolina, with a leap of 17 feet even; and the Virginia Beach Invitational, when he cleared 17 feet, ¼ inch; and

WHEREAS, beyond his excellence and All-American status in the pole vault, Michael Morrison has devoted himself to developing as a total athlete, accomplishing  state qualifying marks in an array of track and field events; and

WHEREAS, as Gatorade Athlete of the Year, Michael Morrison possesses far more than athletic talent; he is actively involved in his community and is an excellent student at Great Bridge High School with a cumulative grade point average of 4.232 and a class rank of 30 out of a class of 527; and

WHEREAS, there are few athletes, at any level, who have demonstrated the dedication and achieved the academic and athletic success of Michael Morrison, and he is an exemplary role model for student athletes across the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly commend Michael Morrison as the Gatorade Virginia Track and Field Athlete of the Year in 2005; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Michael Morrison as an expression of the General Assembly's appreciation of his outstanding athletic and academic accomplishments and congratulations and best wishes for continued success.