Memorials, Academic Achievement - Yejoon Ham, Valedictorian, Bearden High School -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Elaine Davis

The bill authorizes a ceremonial memorial recognizing Yejoon Ham, Bearden High School valedictorian, as an expression of praise for academic achievement.

Signed by Governor.

#academicachievement #memorials

1. Purpose and Intent

HJR 1512 is a Joint Resolution titled “Memorials, Academic Achievement – Yejoon Ham, Valedictorian, Bearden High School.”

The primary aim is to recognize and memorialize an individual achievement related to a high school valedictorian, Yejoon Ham, from Bearden High School.

In practical terms, the measure serves as a formal expression of homage and acknowledgment by the Tennessee General Assembly for notable academic accomplishment within the state.

2. Key Provisions and Changes

The bill designates a formal memorial or commendatory resolution by the Tennessee General Assembly honoring Yejoon Ham, Bearden High School valedictorian.

It functions as a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than creating new policy or altering state law.

The resolution may include brief statements about the student’s achievements, character, and example set for peers, and may reflect general praise of educational excellence.

3. Who or What is Affected

Primary subject: Yejoon Ham, valedictorian of Bearden High School.

Secondary beneficiaries: Bearden High School community, families, and the broader Tennessee student population who may view the recognition as an example of academic achievement.

The action involves the state legislature and Governor, with no immediate fiscal impact or regulatory changes expected.

4. Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Session: 114th Tennessee General Assembly.

Status progression (highlights):

Introduced and sponsored, with co-sponsor Elaine Davis.
Passed the House (engrossed, then adopted on a concurrent basis with unanimous or near-unanimous votes).
Passed the Senate (signed by Senate Speaker; enrolled; transmitted to Governor).
Signed by the Governor on May 1–5, 2026 (transmitted to Governor May 1; signed May 5).

Effective date: As a memorial resolution, it typically takes effect upon enactment or the date specified by the bill’s final language, and is often retroactive to reflect the individual’s achievement in the relevant school year.

5. Notable Context

The bill involves only ceremonial language and formal recognition; it does not create new duties, funding, or statutory changes beyond the memorial acknowledgment.

The rapid passage and unanimous behavior in the chamber reflect a non-controversial, symbolic act intended to honor academic excellence within Tennessee.

If you’d like, I can provide a brief layperson-friendly sample text of what the memorial resolution might look like when printed in the official Journal.

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