Monday night City Council formally honored Drew Perez with Resolution 1480 which passed unanimously. Perez won the Virginia High School League’s Class 4A individual State Tennis title during the spring sports season of the 2023-24 school year. The state title culminated a virtually perfect season for the “Sophomore Sensation” who completed the year with a stout 20 and 1 singles competition record and a 16 and 2 mark in doubles play. Despite being just a 10th grader, Perez captured the VHSL State Title in Newport News in dominant fashion with a 6-3, 6-0 straight sets victory. He was also and All-State selection.

IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, August 12, 2024: RESOLUTION 1480

RESOLUTION HONORING SALEM HIGH SCHOOL 2024 TENNIS STATE CHAMPION

WHEREAS, with a great deal of pride and enthusiasm the City of Salem champions the development of its young people by providing an array of opportunities in both the academic and sporting arenas; and

WHEREAS, throughout the years, our youth have excelled in both areas, bringing numerous accolades to the city and school division; and

WHEREAS, the high school tennis program instills in its participants the significance of teamwork and creates accord and purpose among its participants and coaches; and

WHEREAS, Drew Perez distinguished himself, his school, and the entire Salem community by being crowned a Virginia High School League State Tennis Champion in Class 4; and

WHEREAS, the state title, culminated a virtually perfect season for the “Sophomore Sensation” who completed the year with a stout 20 and 1 singles competition record and a 16 and 2 mark in doubles play; and

WHEREAS, Despite being just a 10th grader, Perez captured the VHSL State Title in Newport News in dominant fashion with a 6-3, 6-0 straight sets victory; and

WHEREAS, Drew was named an All-State performer for his incredible season. This is an amazing accomplishment when you considered there are 51 Class 4 schools in the Commonwealth and only 4 players are selected for the all-state team; and

WHEREAS, Drew also paid it forward and gave back to his community by volunteering this summer to coach 53 aspiring tennis players at the Salem Parks and Recreation’s annual tennis camp; and

WHEREAS, along with Tennis Coach Steve Willinger, Perez and his teammates have brought recognition to the Salem community and the high school by showcasing their skills regionally and statewide; and

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, that Council joins with the citizens of the City of Salem in saluting these amazing achievements during the 2024 Tennis season.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be presented to the coaches and each team member and that a copy be placed on display at Salem High School.