07-R102

2007 -- S 0846

Enacted 03/13/07

S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING MARCH 13, 2007 TO BE "HOBEY BAKER HIGH SCHOOL CHARACTER

AWARDS DAY" IN RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Senator John J. Tassoni

Date Introduced: March 13, 2007

     WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Interscholastic Hockey Coaches Association, in

conjunction with the Hobey Baker Foundation, will host the second annual Hobey Baker High

School Character Award program in Rhode Island. The Awards are given annually to one high

school senior from each of the 45 participating boys and girls hockey programs in the state; and

     WHEREAS, The award recognizes those boys and girls who best exemplify the spirit,

sportsmanship and character of Hobey Baker, who never missed a game in his 8 years of playing

hockey and only had two penalties called on him in his career while averaging four points a

game. After every game Hobey Baker would visit the opposing team's locker room and shake the

hand of every player; and

     WHEREAS, Hobey Baker played hockey and football at Princeton and was the Captain

of both teams. Hobey is the only individual ever to be inducted to the College Football Hall of

Fame and the Hockey Hall of Fame; and

     WHEREAS, During World War I, Hobey Baker enlisted as a fighter pilot and earned

medals for his exceptional valor under fire in the skies over Europe. Sadly, just as he was

expected to return to America and receive a hero's welcome, Hobey died in France while testing a

repaired aircraft; and

     WHEREAS, The "Hobey Baker Character Awards" program would not exist without the

hard work and dedicated support of its State Director, Mr. Dick Brussard. As a result of Mr.

Brussard's tireless work and devotion, the winners of the 2007 awards will be honored March 13,

2007 by the Rhode Island General Assembly, will receive a reception in the Governor's chamber,

and will be presented mid-ice to the attendees of the Providence Bruins hockey game on March

25, 2007; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby declares March 13, 2007 to be "Hobey Baker High School Character Awards Day" in

Rhode Island; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mr. Dick Brussard.

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LC02593

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