A LEGISLATIVE COMMEMORATION, Commending and honoring Emily Hawkes of Madison High School for being selected as South Dakota's Gatorade Cross Country Runner of the Year for the 2014 cross country season.

    WHEREAS, Emily Hawkes was undefeated in the 2014 season and captured her second Class A State Cross Country title. Emily is a five-time state meet place winner in cross country and a two-time champion in 2012 and 2014; and

    WHEREAS, Emily Hawkes has shown extraordinary patience, dedication, and tenacity in overcoming severe medical issues, including the possibility of not running again. Emily came back strong, was undefeated (11-0), and had the best time of all the classes at the 2014 State Cross Country meet held in Huron; and

    WHEREAS, Emily Hawkes demonstrated the physical, mental, and emotional strength necessary to conquer adversity, climate, and illness, not missing a meet. In addition, she maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout high school, graduating early, and was Academic All State in cross country:

    NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT COMMEMORATED, by the Ninetieth Legislature of the State of South Dakota, that Emily Hawkes be commended and honored on her outstanding athletic and academic performance, her selection as the 2014 South Dakota Gatorade Cross Country Runner, and her second individual state cross country championship title.