LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Melissa Oliphant upon the occasion
of her induction into the 2013 Athletic Hall of Fame by the SS Seward
Institute

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor those indi-
viduals whose exceptional athletic prowess leaves an enduring legacy in
their communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Melissa Oliphant upon the occasion of her induction into the 2013
Athletic Hall of Fame by the SS Seward Institute, which was celebrated
at a ceremony held at its Alumni and Veterans Fields during its Homecom-
ing on October 19, 2013, in Florida, New York; and
WHEREAS, An important figure in the history of the SS Seward Institute
Athletics Program, Melissa Oliphant, Class of 2006, is one of the young-
est members of the Athletic Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, In 2004, Melissa Oliphant made the T-H RECORD First-Team in
soccer, and was voted Seward's Most Valuable Player; and
WHEREAS, During her illustrious high school basketball career, she was
named Most Valuable Player, and made the All-Section team in her junior
and senior years; she also helped lead her team to the Final Four in
2005; and
WHEREAS, Melissa Oliphant's auspicious honor of Seward's Most Valuable
Player in softball was just the beginning of her numerous awards and
achievements; in 2005, she was the New York State Sportswriters Class D
softball Player of the Year, which led to her success of a fall athletic
scholarship at Division One Florida A&M University; and
WHEREAS, Upon graduation, Melissa Oliphant's college career had a
quick start as she was named 2007 Rookie of the Year; in 2008, she was
named Most Valuable Player in softball, and made the All-Conference
All-Star Team; and
WHEREAS, A year later, Melissa Oliphant and her team were Conference
Champs and went on to play in the Women's College World Series; and
WHEREAS, Her most well-known memory of her stellar college softball
career was a no-hitter against Army; not only did she give up no hits or
runs, she also went two for three and drove in two runs in the 6-0
victory; and
WHEREAS, In addition to her outstanding athletic ability, Melissa
Oliphant also excelled academically, graduating Cum Laude; and
WHEREAS, Today, Melissa Oliphant is a physical education, health
education, and kindergarten teacher at KC Writ Academy in Fort Lauder-
dale, Florida; and
WHEREAS, Athletes such as Melissa Oliphant provide a tremendous
service to the future of our State and Nation, inspiring generations of
student-athletes in their athletic journeys and ensuring their success
in their future years; and
WHEREAS, Melissa Oliphant has clearly been an inspiration to the youth
of the SS Seward Institute, as well as to the community-at-large, and
accordingly merits recognition and applause for her impressive dedi-
cation to others; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those individuals who work to support our proud tradition of
public education by providing their skills and talents to our students
and our schools; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Melissa Oliphant upon the occasion of her induction into

the 2013 Athletic Hall of Fame by the SS Seward Institute; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Melissa Oliphant.