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Commending the Rock Church School boys' basketball team.
Agreed to by the Senate, February 26, 2026
WHEREAS, the Rock Church School boys' basketball team of Franklin earned its second national title in four years with a victory at the A.C.E. International Student Convention in May 2025 at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana; and
WHEREAS, a small private school of approximately 50 students, the Rock Church School has demonstrated an incredible commitment to academic and athletic achievement to compete against larger schools from across the United States and around the world at the A.C.E. (Accelerated Christian Education) International Student Convention; and
WHEREAS, the Rock Church School Lions clinched a berth to the national championship by winning the regional championship in Beckley, West Virginia, then faced talented teams from Tennessee, Texas, and Missouri in the national tournament; and
WHEREAS, in the national championship final, the Rock Lions defeated the defending national champions from Heartland Christian Academy in Indiana by a score of 55–40; and
WHEREAS, trailing by five points with less than a minute to play, the Rock Lions maintained their composure and worked together to send the game into overtime, with Miles Dawkins hitting a jumper to tie the game and Benny Dillon making a critical block with only one second remaining in regulation; and
WHEREAS, in the first play of overtime, Rylan Holloman turned a crucial steal into a dunk that turned the momentum of the game permanently back in the Rock Lions' favor; and
WHEREAS, the Rock Lions' victory in the basketball tournament also helped the Rock Church School achieve second place in the Overall Athletics category at the A.C.E. International Student Convention; and
WHEREAS, the Rock Lions' victorious season was a tribute to the hard work and dedication of all the student-athletes, the leadership and guidance of coaches and staff, and the passionate support of friends, family members, and the entire Rock Church School community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That the Rock Church School boys' basketball team hereby be commended on winning a national title at the A.C.E. International Student Convention in May 2025; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Danny Dillon, head coach of the Rock Church School boys' basketball team, as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's admiration for the team's outstanding achievements and best wishes for the future.