| 1 | 1 | | 25 LC 39 4725 |
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| 2 | 2 | | House Resolution 539 |
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| 3 | 3 | | By: Representatives Gilliard of the 162 |
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| 4 | 4 | | nd |
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| 5 | 5 | | , Jackson of the 165 |
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| 6 | 6 | | th |
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| 7 | 7 | | , and Stephens of the 164 |
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| 8 | 8 | | th |
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| 9 | 9 | | |
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| 10 | 10 | | A RESOLUTION |
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| 11 | 11 | | Recognizing Mr. Nolan Sental Smith, Jr., and dedicating a bridge in his honor; and for other |
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| 12 | 12 | | 1 |
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| 13 | 13 | | purposes.2 |
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| 14 | 14 | | WHEREAS, Nolan Sental Smith, Jr., was born on January 18, 2001, in Savannah, Georgia,3 |
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| 15 | 15 | | and has shown the world what it means to dream big, work relentlessly, and rise above every4 |
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| 16 | 16 | | challenge in pursuit of greatness; and5 |
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| 17 | 17 | | WHEREAS, from his early days on the football field in youth leagues to his standout6 |
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| 18 | 18 | | performances at IMG Academy and Calvary Day School, Mr. Smith's passion for the game7 |
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| 19 | 19 | | of football and unwavering determination have been evident in every play he has made,8 |
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| 20 | 20 | | earning him admiration and respect from coaches, teammates, and fans alike; and9 |
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| 21 | 21 | | WHEREAS, Mr. Smith's time at the University of Georgia was nothing short of remarkable,10 |
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| 22 | 22 | | where his relentless work ethic, leadership, and dedication to his football team helped secure11 |
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| 23 | 23 | | two College Football Playoff National Championships, a testament to his commitment to12 |
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| 24 | 24 | | excellence and his pivotal role in the success of the Georgia Bulldogs; and13 |
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| 25 | 25 | | H. R. 539 |
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| 26 | 26 | | - 1 - 25 LC 39 4725 |
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| 27 | 27 | | WHEREAS, Mr. Smith's dream of playing in the NFL became a reality when he was selected |
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| 28 | 28 | | 14 |
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| 29 | 29 | | by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft, representing not only his15 |
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| 30 | 30 | | talent but the power of perseverance, hard work, and faith in himself; and16 |
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| 31 | 31 | | WHEREAS, beyond the field, Mr. Smith is deeply committed to using his platform and17 |
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| 32 | 32 | | influence to make a meaningful impact in his community and beyond, striving to be more18 |
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| 33 | 33 | | than just a football player, but a role model, leader, and change-maker who inspires others19 |
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| 34 | 34 | | to dream big, work hard, and give back to those who need it most; and20 |
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| 35 | 35 | | WHEREAS, Mr. Smith has touched countless lives through his dedication to inspiring and21 |
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| 36 | 36 | | mentoring others, particularly through the Nolan Smith Foundation, which uplifts young22 |
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| 37 | 37 | | athletes, providing them with the guidance to overcome obstacles, achieve their goals, and23 |
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| 38 | 38 | | positively impact their communities; and24 |
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| 39 | 39 | | WHEREAS, Mr. Smith's story is not just one of athletic triumph, but a testament to the25 |
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| 40 | 40 | | power of resilience, humility, and the profound impact one person can have on the lives of26 |
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| 41 | 41 | | those around them, especially through his support of his family and their shared journey27 |
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| 42 | 42 | | together; and28 |
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| 43 | 43 | | WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this remarkable and distinguished29 |
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| 44 | 44 | | Georgian be recognized appropriately by dedicating a bridge in his honor.30 |
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| 45 | 45 | | NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AND ENACTED BY THE GENERAL31 |
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| 46 | 46 | | ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA that the bridge on Interstate 95/State Route 405 at State Route32 |
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| 47 | 47 | | 204/Fort Argyle Road in Chatham County is dedicated as the Nolan S. Smith, Jr. Bridge.33 |
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| 48 | 48 | | H. R. 539 |
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| 49 | 49 | | - 2 - 25 LC 39 4725 |
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| 50 | 50 | | BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Transportation is authorized and |
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| 51 | 51 | | 34 |
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| 52 | 52 | | directed to erect and maintain appropriate signs dedicating the Nolan S. Smith, Jr. Bridge.35 |
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| 53 | 53 | | BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized36 |
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| 54 | 54 | | and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to Mr.37 |
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| 55 | 55 | | Nolan Sental Smith, Jr., and to the Department of Transportation.38 |
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| 56 | 56 | | H. R. 539 |
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| 57 | 57 | | - 3 - |
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