Reps. Gaffney, Stewart, DeRoche, Nofs, Hart, Sheen, Van Regenmorter, Pastor, Stakoe, Bisbee, Nitz, Caswell, Bradstreet, Newell, Mortimer, Hummel, LaJoy, Ehardt, Amos, Pappageorge, Koetje, Voorhees, Huizenga, Howell, Stahl, Robertson, Shaffer, Casperson, Emmons, Hoogendyk, Steil, Garfield, Farhat, Shulman, Taub, Rick Johnson, Palmer, Ruth Johnson, Vander Veen, Shackleton, DeRossett, Ward, Accavitti, Adamini, Anderson, Bieda, Brown, Byrum, Clack, Condino, Dennis, Elkins, Farrah, Gieleghem, Gillard, Gleason, Hood, Hopgood, Kolb, Kooiman, LaSata, Law, Lipsey, Meisner, Minore, Murphy, Phillips, Plakas, Richardville, Rocca, Sak, Sheltrown, Smith, Spade, Stallworth, Tobocman, Vagnozzi, Waters, Wojno and Zelenko offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 308.

            A resolution congratulating Carly Piper on her outstanding gold medal performance at the 2004 Olympics.

            Whereas, We are proud to join the teammates, coaches, family, friends, community members of Grosse Pointe, and the entire state of Michigan in congratulating Carly Piper for an outstanding Women's 4 X 200 Freestyle Relay Olympic gold medal performance.  The excellence shown in the sports arena by this talented and hardworking athlete provides an outstanding example of the rewards gained when athleticism is combined effectively with determination and commitment; and

            Whereas, A fierce competitor and dedicated team player, Carly Piper brings more than hard work and readiness to each performance.  Her inextinguishable energy and will to win each meet is every bit as impressive as her ability to compete; and

            Whereas, Carly Piper's career has been highlighted with many achievements, including a 6^th place in the 440m freestyle at the 2004 Olympic Trials, 6^th place in the 440m freestyle at the 2004 NCAA Championships, and 5^th place in the 500 yard freestyle and 6^th in the mile at the 2003 NCAA Championships.  She was also Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2002.  Her poise under the pressure during intense competition serves as an example to all young people struggling for recognition in any sport; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body congratulate Carly Piper for her outstanding accomplishment as an Olympic athlete.  May her determination grow stronger each day, and positively influence her every endeavor in the many years ahead; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to Carly Piper as a token of our esteem.