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HJR 398

Memorials, Academic Achievement - Preston Michael Caperton, Top Ten Senior, Collinwood High School -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Kip Capley

Tennessee legislature passes ceremonial memorial honoring Preston Michael Caperton, a top-ten senior at Collinwood High School, for academic excellence.

Signed by Governor.
#academicachievement #memorials
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Bill Summary · HJR 398

Legislative bill overview

HJR 398 is a ceremonial memorial resolution passed by the Tennessee legislature honoring Preston Michael Caperton, a top-ten senior at Collinwood High School, for his academic achievement. The bill was introduced by Kip Capley and signed by the Governor on April 7, 2025. This type of resolution serves to formally recognize and commemorate individual student accomplishments at the state level.

Why is this important

While memorials don't create law or allocate funding, they serve as official state recognition of academic excellence and can provide meaningful acknowledgment for students and their families. Such resolutions reflect legislative priorities around education and can boost local school recognition. However, they represent a use of legislative time and resources for ceremonial rather than substantive policy purposes.

Potential points of contention

  • Selective recognition: Only one student receives this honor—questions about selection criteria and fairness to other high-achieving students statewide
  • Legislative time allocation: Critics argue legislatures should prioritize substantive education policy over individual student memorials
  • Precedent concerns: If widely adopted, this could create pressure for numerous similar resolutions, consuming legislative resources

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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