24 LC 112 1825
Senate Resolution 566
By: Senators Walker III of the 20th, Kennedy of the 18th, Gooch of the 51st, Robertson of
the 29th, Summers of the 13th and others
A RESOLUTION
Congratulating the Perry High School Panthers football team for winning the 2023 GHSA
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Class 4A State Football Championship; and for other purposes.2
WHEREAS, the Perry High School Panthers football team has established and maintained3
a proud tradition of excellence with equal emphases on character and academics; and4
WHEREAS, the team brought special recognition to its school by winning the 2023 GHSA5
Class 4A State Football Championship against the formidable Stockbridge Tigers with a final6
score of 38 to 27; and7
WHEREAS, excellent play, superior teamwork, and extraordinary resilience made this team8
a spectacular one to observe throughout the season, and as a fitting finale to its remarkable9
2023 campaign, the team captured the first state football championship in program history;10
and11
WHEREAS, although the Panthers fell behind early, the pivotal play of the match was12
Gesha'nn Heard's recovery of a nearly fumbled kickoff, which he followed with a 54-yard13
dash to the end zone for the score; and14
S. R. 566
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WHEREAS, junior running back Ahmad Gordon's exceptional performance, including three
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touchdowns, significantly contributed to the team's victory and ensured that they would not16
lose their lead; and17
WHEREAS, the phenomenal performance of the team is a clear indication of the outstanding18
athletic ability, dedication, hard work, and unity of purpose and spirit of each member of the19
team; its superb offensive and defensive talents; and the astute direction of Head Coach20
Kevin Smith; and21
WHEREAS, the team has received additional support from the Perry High School22
administration and faculty as well as the citizens of the Perry community; and23
WHEREAS, this magnificent team earned its well-deserved reputation for excellence by24
performing with courage and precision over months of training and competition, it is25
abundantly proper to call them champions.26
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body27
congratulate the Perry High School Panthers football team for winning the 2023 GHSA Class28
4A State Football Championship and extend best wishes for their continued success.29
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed30
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the Perry High31
School Panthers football team.32
S. R. 566
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