2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25104213D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 588

Offered February 3, 2025

Commending Lonnie Andrews III.

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Patron—Hayes

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WHEREAS, Lonnie Andrews III, a sophomore at Oscar F. Smith High School in Chesapeake, led the Oscar Smith High School football team to a Virginia High School League Class 6 state championship on December 14, 2024; and

WHEREAS, from a young age, Lonnie Andrews has always dreamed of following in the footsteps of his father, Lonnie Andrew, Jr., who was also a standout on the Oscar Smith High School football team until his untimely death in 2008; and

WHEREAS, Lonnie Andrews began starting for the Oscar Smith Tigers in his freshman year and took over running the offense as quarterback in his sophomore season; and

WHEREAS, in the Virginia High School League (VHSL) Class 6 state championship game against Madison High School of Varina, Lonnie Andrews led the Oscar Smith Tigers to a stunning come-from-behind win to secure the program's fifth state championship title; and

WHEREAS, down seven points halfway through the fourth quarter, Lonnie Andrews and the Oscar Smith Tigers mounted two consecutive touchdown drives to claim the lead in the final seconds of the game; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his accomplishments on the gridiron in 2024, Lonnie Andrews was named VHSL Region 6A Offensive Player of the Year and selected for the VHSL Class 6 all-state football team, the only sophomore to achieve this distinction; and

WHEREAS, Lonnie Andrews is a dedicated student with a 3.6 grade point average and has already received scholarship offers from several elite university programs, including Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Syracuse University, and Boston College; and

WHEREAS, Lonnie Andrews' triumphs on both the football field and in the classroom are the result of his hard work and determination, the leadership and guidance of his coaches and teachers, and the unwavering support of his family and the entire Oscar F. Smith High School community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Lonnie Andrews III for his exceptional football season in 2024; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Lonnie Andrews III as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his achievements and best wishes for his continued success.