Read the full stored bill text
H. R. No. 167 *HR43/R2783* ~ OFFICIAL ~ N1/2
26/HR43/R2783
PAGE 1 (DJ\KP)
To: Rules
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION 2026
By: Representative Arnold
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 167
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING COACH MICHAEL 1
SMITH UPON HIS EXTRAORDINARY SUCCESS AS HEAD COACH OF THE 2
BOONEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PROGRAM AND RECOGNIZING HIS 3
LASTING IMPACT ON STUDENT-ATHLETES AND THE COMMUNITY OF PRENTISS 4
COUNTY. 5
WHEREAS, Coach Michael Smith has established himself as one 6
of the most accomplished and respected high school basketball 7
coaches in the State of Mississippi, serving as Head Coach of the 8
Booneville High School Basketball Program and Athletic Director, 9
and in doing so, has elevated the standard of excellence for 10
interscholastic athletics in northeast Mississippi; and 11
WHEREAS, over the course of an extraordinary 22-year coaching 12
career, Coach Smith has amassed an astounding 765 career victories 13
and secured 11 state championships, a testament to his sustained 14
excellence, discipline and commitment to building a premier 15
basketball program in the City of Booneville; and 16
WHEREAS, under his leadership, the Booneville Blue Devils 17
have become synonymous with competitive greatness, recently 18
capturing the MHSAA Girls' Class 3A State Championship with a 19
H. R. No. 167 *HR43/R2783* ~ OFFICIAL ~
26/HR43/R2783
PAGE 2 (DJ\KP)
commanding 54-31 victory over Belmont High School, marking the 20
program's fourth state title in five years and further solidifying 21
its place among Mississippi's elite; and 22
WHEREAS, Coach Smith's remarkable career winning percentage 23
of approximately 75 percent places him in rare company alongside 24
some of the most revered figures in the history of basketball, 25
demonstrating that excellence is not confined to the national 26
stage, but may be cultivated and sustained in communities where 27
dedication, vision and purpose reside; and 28
WHEREAS, embodying the philosophy of "making the big time 29
where you are," Coach Smith has transformed Booneville, a small 30
town in Prentiss County, into a beacon of basketball excellence, 31
so much so that the Booneville High School basketball court 32
fittingly bears his name in recognition of his enduring 33
contributions; and 34
WHEREAS, beyond wins and championships, Coach Smith's true 35
legacy lies in his unwavering commitment to the development of 36
young people, instilling in his student-athletes the values of 37
discipline, perseverance, humility and respect, and emphasizing 38
that the measure of success is not solely found in victories, but 39
in the lives shaped and the character built along the way; and 40
WHEREAS, Coach Smith's leadership is rooted in compassion and 41
authenticity, as evidenced by his steadfast devotion to all of his 42
players, celebrating their triumphs while sharing in their 43
disappointments, demonstrating that true coaching extends far 44
H. R. No. 167 *HR43/R2783* ~ OFFICIAL ~
26/HR43/R2783
PAGE 3 (DJ\KP)
beyond the scoreboard and into the hearts and lives of those he 45
mentors; and 46
WHEREAS, a proud product of northeast Mississippi, Coach 47
Smith excelled academically as valedictorian at New Site High 48
School and continued his education at Northeast Mississippi 49
Community College and the University of Mississippi, where he 50
graduated with honors, equipping himself with the knowledge and 51
purpose to impact future generations through education and 52
athletics; and 53
WHEREAS, his passion for coaching was ignited by a simple yet 54
profound moment of mentorship at a youth basketball camp, where he 55
witnessed firsthand the transformative power of encouragement and 56
instruction, a moment that has since defined his life's work; and 57
WHEREAS, his influence extends beyond Booneville, as he has 58
been selected to coach the Mississippi Boys All-Star Team, further 59
affirming the respect and admiration he commands across the state; 60
and 61
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to 62
recognize individuals such as Coach Michael Smith, whose life's 63
work reflects the very best of Mississippi values, demonstrating 64
that through faith, humility and dedication, one may achieve 65
greatness while uplifting others: 66
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF 67
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby 68
commend and congratulate Coach Michael Smith upon his outstanding 69
H. R. No. 167 *HR43/R2783* ~ OFFICIAL ~
26/HR43/R2783
PAGE 4 (DJ\KP)
ST: Michael Smith; commend coaching success of.
coaching success as Head Coach of the Booneville High School 70
Basketball Program, and extend highest appreciation for his 71
immeasurable contributions to the lives of his student-athletes, 72
the Booneville community and the State of Mississippi. 73
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be 74
furnished to Coach Michael Smith and to the members of the Capitol 75
Press Corps. 76