A LEGISLATIVE COMMEMORATION, Honoring and commending Jerald "Jerry" Jon Smith for his selfless commitment as a volunteer coach with the Alexandria American Legion Boys Baseball program.

    WHEREAS, coach Jerry Smith was instrumental in bringing the Alexandria American Legion Baseball program back to life in 2005 and making it a successful thriving community program for young men in the Hanson County community area; and

    WHEREAS, in the past six years, coach Jerry Smith has led his teams to three state championship berths, accumulating a career record of 111 wins and 43 losses, with an American Legion Boys Baseball State Championship in 2010; and

    WHEREAS, coach Jerry Smith dedicated hundreds of hours mentoring young men from the Hanson County area communities, leading them by example of sportsmanship, dedicated work ethic, perseverance in the face of adversity, and patriotism; and

    WHEREAS, coach Jerry Smith's leadership and selfless dedication is the hallmark of a great community leader and the type of civic dedication that has made Hanson county one of the best places to live and raise children in America:

    NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT COMMEMORATED, by the Eighty-seventh Legislature of the State of South Dakota, that Jerald "Jerry" Jon Smith is honored and commended for his leadership in his community and his dedication to youth baseball in South Dakota.