Bill Text: VA SJR524 | 2011 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending James Alfred Farrior.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2011-03-07 - Senate: Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ524ER) [SJR524 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2011-SJR524-Enrolled.html
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WHEREAS, James Alfred Farrior, native son, was born on January 6, 1975, in Ettrick, graduated from Matoaca High School, and earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from the University of Virginia, where he had an outstanding football career; and WHEREAS, during his senior year at Matoaca High School, James Alfred Farrior was a Parade All-America selection, was named Virginia's Group AA Co-Offensive Player of the Year, and was selected as the Richmond Times-Dispatch's Co-Player of the Year; he earned All-Metro, district, and regional honors as a junior, and he lettered three times in football, track, and wrestling; and WHEREAS, as a member of the University of Virginia football team, James Alfred Farrior amassed an impressive record, including earning the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Newcomer of the Week honor in his freshman year, All-ACC honorable mention as a sophomore, All-ACC second-team honors in 1995, and All-ACC first-team honors in 1996; and WHEREAS, James Alfred Farrior began his professional football career in 1997 with the New York Jets, playing for the team from 1997 to 2001, and currently he is a 10-year veteran inside linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers; during his first season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he recorded 82 tackles over 14 games, and his exemplary performance on the gridiron contributed to the Pittsburgh Steelers' victories in Super Bowl XL in 2006 and Super Bowl XLIII in 2009 and the team's return to Super Bowl XLV on February 6, 2011; and WHEREAS, a gifted and accomplished athlete, James Alfred Farrior uses his gifts, time, and resources to demonstrate compassion and concern for the less fortunate, and in collaboration with his brother Matthew Farrior, a linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, established the James Farrior Foundation, a charitable organization devoted to assisting the underprivileged at all stages of life; and WHEREAS, the James Farrior Foundation provides assistance to individuals and families in need through guidance and mentoring for students, the Farrior Scholarship Fund, and the Families in Crisis program; in recognition of its numerous contributions to the community, the Foundation was presented the Key to the City of Richmond in June 2009; and WHEREAS, through the foundation, James Alfred Farrior promotes student and athlete success by "serving as a resource for students, athletes and parents; providing sports camps, workshops and other training to improve academic and athletic skills in preparation for higher levels of competition; supporting events earmarked for the benefit of disadvantaged or disabled children; and collaborating and networking with other organizations with mutual interests"; and WHEREAS, James Alfred Farrior lends his talents and services to the national bone marrow registry to increase the pool of potential donors; serves as the honorary chairman of the Pittsburgh Challenge for Champions, which matches children in foster care with appropriate homes; and has received the Bravo award from the Chesterfield Public Education Foundation, given to recognize extraordinary alumni of the Chesterfield County Public Schools; and WHEREAS, it is fitting to commend James Alfred Farrior on his successful professional football career and his great humanitarian spirit; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend James Alfred Farrior; and, be it RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to James Alfred Farrior, native son, as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration and appreciation of his extraordinary achievements and contributions to the people of the Commonwealth. |
