A LEGISLATIVE COMMEMORATION,  Honoring Jonathan Thie of Sioux Falls for being named one of South Dakota's top student volunteers.

     WHEREAS,  Jonathan Thie, an esteemed resident of Sioux Falls and a student at O'Gorman Senior High School, has achieved national recognition for exemplary volunteer service by receiving a 2001 Prudential Spirit of Community Award; and

     WHEREAS,  this prestigious award, presented by the Prudential Insurance Company of America in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, honors young volunteers across America who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to serving their communities; and

     WHEREAS,  Mr. Thie earned this award by giving generously of his time and energy to create the "Shoes and Gloves" project to collect, clean, and repair used sporting equipment and then to distribute it to needy youth in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic; and

     WHEREAS,  the success of the State of South Dakota, the strength of our communities, and the overall vitality of American society depends, in great measure, upon the dedication of young people like Mr. Thie who use their considerable talents and resources to serve others:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT COMMEMORATED,  by the Seventy-sixth Legislature of the State of South Dakota, that Mr. Jonathan Thie be honored as a recipient of a Prudential Spirit of Community Award and be recognized for his outstanding record of volunteer service, peer leadership, and community spirit.