A LEGISLATIVE COMMEMORATION honoring Ashlan Carlow-Blount for excellence in athletics, academics, and leadership.

WHEREAS, Ashlan Carlow-Blount, an Oglala Lakota tribal member from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and senior at Mahpíya Lúta High School, has distinguished herself through exceptional dedication and achievement in athletics, academics, and community leadership, demonstrating versatility, discipline, and perseverance while bringing pride and recognition to her school, her community, the Oglala Lakota people, and the State of South Dakota; and

WHEREAS, on the basketball court, Ashlan has earned First-Team All-State honors, was twice named Lakota Nation Invitational Most Valuable Player, and led her team to four consecutive Lakota National Invitational championships and multiple state tournament appearances, surpassing 1,500 career points, and recording numerous double-doubles and triple-doubles; and

WHEREAS, in addition to basketball, Ashlan has excelled in track and field and cross country, earning a Class A State Championship in the 300-meter hurdles, multiple regional titles, and top finishes in sprints, hurdles, and jumps; and

WHEREAS, in the classroom, Ashlan has consistently exemplified intellectual curiosity and scholastic achievement, maintaining high academic standing, earning National Honor Society membership and the U.S. President's Academic Excellence Award, excelling in AP and dual-credit coursework, receiving Division I collegiate scholarship offers, and committing to attend the University of South Dakota to continue her academic and athletic pursuits while representing her home state;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT COMMEMORATED, by the One Hundred First Legislature of the State of South Dakota, that Ashlan Carlow-Blount has achieved incredible success in athletics, academics, and leadership, and will certainly continue serving as a role model for younger athletes, promoting Lakota culture, language, and heritage, and inspiring peers and community members through leadership, mentorship, and example.