WHEREAS, the Salem High School forensics team claimed its ninth state title by winning the Virginia High School League Group 4A state forensics championship on March 29, 2014, in Harrisonburg; and

WHEREAS, the Salem Spartans put on a stellar performance in the Group 4A North regional tournament; the team won six events and swept the top two spots in three events to beat second-place finisher John Handley High School 71 - 23; and

WHEREAS, with six students taking first place at regionals, four taking second place, and two taking third place, 12 members of the Salem Spartans earned a berth in the state championship; and

WHEREAS, facing worthy competitors from 19 other schools in the state championship, the Salem Spartans swept the top two spots in the poetry, humorous, and humorous duo categories and beat runner-up E. C. Glass High School 46 - 13; and

WHEREAS, the Salem Spartans have now won nine consecutive state forensics titles, the second most across all Virginia High School League groups, and 51 individual titles since 2004; and

WHEREAS, the victory is a testament to the hard work and dedication of each member of the team, the leadership of the coaches, and the enthusiastic support of the entire Salem High School community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Salem High School forensics team on winning the Virginia High School League Group 4A state forensics championship in 2014; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Salem High School forensics team as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the team's talent and creativity and best wishes for the future.