Memorials, Recognition - Michael Odom, 2025-2026 Tennessee Distinguished Service Award winner -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Page Walley

Acknowledges Michael Odom for a career in Tennessee high school sports journalism and honors him with the 2025–2026 Tennessee Distinguished Service Award by TSSAA.

Enrolled and ready for signatures

#memorials #recognition

Purpose

SR 396 is a commemorative resolution recognizing Michael Odom for being named a 2025–2026 Tennessee Distinguished Service Award winner by the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA).

The resolution honors Odom for his contributions to high school athletics journalism in Tennessee and expresses best wishes for his continued success.

Key Provisions and Provisions of Change

The resolution formally acknowledges Michael Odom’s career and impact, highlighting:

His roots in Jackson, Tennessee, and education at North Side High School.
His journalism career span of more than two decades, including roles at the Jackson Sun and as sports editor of the Milan Mirror-Exchange.
His coverage of high school sports in West Tennessee communities (e.g., Brownsville, Fayette, Lexington).
Notable reporting themes, such as memorable events (e.g., Spring Fling, events at Middle Tennessee State University) and his humanizing storytelling approach.
The “Faith in Practice” series, which explores the intersection of athletics and faith in student athletes.

The resolution designates him as a Tennessee Distinguished Service Award recipient for the 2025–2026 period, as recognized by the TSSAA.

Who or What Is Affected

Individual: Michael Odom (journalist) is the primary subject of recognition.

Institutions/Organizations: Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) is cited as the body that honors him with the Distinguished Service Award.

Broadly, the resolution acknowledges and celebrates the impact of journalism on high school athletics coverage within Tennessee communities.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduction and Consideration:

Introduced and referred through standard Senate processes in April 2026.

Action Milestones:

April 6, 2026: Filed for introduction.
April 9, 2026: Passed on first consideration.
April 13, 2026: Passed on second consideration and placed on Senate Consent Calendar.
April 13, 2026: Senate Consent Calendar status updated.
April 15, 2026: Adopted by the Senate (Ayes 32, Nays 0).

Final Effect:

The resolution is ceremonial and carries no legislative or fiscal changes; it serves to formally commend Michael Odom and provide public recognition.

Observations

SR 396 is a memorial/recognition resolution rather than a bill proposing policy changes or appropriations.

The document emphasizes affirmative praise and acknowledgment of Odom’s journalistic work and its impact on Tennessee high school athletics and communities.

If you’d like, I can condense this into a one-paragraph summary or expand with a brief bio timeline of Michael Odom’s career.

Bill