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HJR 1426

Memorials, Recognition - Owen Clemons -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Kevin Raper

Owen Clemons, a Cleveland High School distance runner with a 4.0 GPA and multiple state titles, is formally recognized by the Tennessee General Assembly for athletic achievement, a

Concurred, Ayes 28, Nays 0
0
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Bill Summary · HJR 1426

Summary of Bill: HJR 1426 (Session 114, Tennessee)

Title

Memorials, Recognition – Owen Clemons – Cleveland High School

Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution honors and congratulates Owen Clemons, a student-athlete at Cleveland High School, for his achievements in distance running and academics.
  • It recognizes Clemons as an exemplary representative of Tennessee, highlighting his athletic success, academic excellence, leadership, and character.
  • The resolution notes Clemons’ commitment to continuing his education and running career at Northern Arizona University.

Key Provisions (Substantive Content)

  • Official recognition by the Tennessee General Assembly of Owen Clemons’ accomplishments in cross country and track and field.
  • Statement of Clemons’ athletic credentials, including:
    • Three-time state champion
    • Personal bests cited: 14:39 for the 5K and 4:04 for the 1,600 meters
    • Noted as one of the nation’s elite high school distance runners
  • Acknowledgement of Clemons’ academic performance:
    • Maintains a 4.0 GPA
  • Announcement of future plans:
    • Commitment to attend Northern Arizona University (NAU) for both academics and athletics, highlighting NAU’s reputation in distance running and related program strengths (high-altitude training, championship culture, ongoing development of elite athletes)
  • Personal character and community aspects:
    • Described as humble, with strong character and leadership
    • Faith-based notes crediting God for his success
  • Formal effect:
    • The resolution is a ceremonial expression of appreciation and congratulations from the General Assembly, to be printed as an official recognition.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Owen Clemons: receives formal recognition and commendation from the Tennessee General Assembly.
  • Cleveland High School and the broader Tennessee community: acknowledged for producing a high-achieving student-athlete.
  • Northern Arizona University: noted as Clemons’ future institution (contextual link to future competition and academic pursuit).

Procedural/Timeline Details

  • Sponsor: Rep. Kevin Raper (co-sponsor)
  • Action History:
    • April 14, 2026: Introduced and placed on House consent calendar
    • April 15, 2026: House engrossed; passed with Ayes 90, Nays 0, PNV 2; transmitted to Senate
    • April 15, 2026: Senate Calendar Committee referred (action history indicates concurrent passage in House and movement to Senate)
  • Enactment Type:
    • Joint Resolution (non-binding ceremonial recognition)
    • Requires concurrence by Senate (as a memorial resolution)

Notable Details

  • The resolution uses laudatory language to celebrate Clemons’ athletic and academic prowess.
  • It frames Clemons as an ambassador for Tennessee, illustrating the state’s emphasis on student success, community leadership, and athletic excellence.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary for specific stakeholders (e.g., school officials, journalists, or sports organizations) or convert it into a one-page briefing with bullets for quick reading.

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

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