On Monday, February 24, Salem City Council formally honored Salem High School student-athlete extraordinaire Kathryn Ha. This school year, Kathryn became the first person in Virginia High School League history to capture both the Class 4 Coed State Title and the Girls Open State Championship in the same season. The State Titles are but a small part of her impressive resume’ that also includes representing the United States in international competition. Council recognized her outstanding efforts by unanimously passing Resolution 1491.

WHEREAS, it is with a great deal of pride and enthusiasm that 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 golf program instills in its participants the significance of teamwork and creates accord and purpose among its participants and coaches; and

WHEREAS, Kathryn Ha distinguished herself, her school, her community, and the Commonwealth by becoming the first person in Virginia High School League history to capture both the Class 4 Coed State Title and the Girls Open State Championship in the same season; and

WHEREAS, the VHSL Class 4 Individual State Title was won on October 14, 2024, at the Heritage Oaks Golf Course in Harrisonburg, as Kathryn defeated the top 60 male and female golfers in the state with a 3-under par round of 68. Two weeks later, on the same course, she carded a 3-under round of 67 to become a 3-time Girls State Open Champion; and

WHEREAS, the most decorated golfer in Salem High School history has consistently put Salem in the headlines with her numerous state and national accomplishments. Since winning the state titles, she has been crowned the Virginia State Golf Association’s Junior Golfer of the Year for the second straight year, named to multiple all-state teams, and featured in Virginia Golf Magazine; and

WHEREAS, Kathryn also put her high school and her city on the international map in 2023 when she competed in southern Spain as part of the prestigious United States PING Junior Solheim Cup team. She was one of just a dozen players nationwide selected for this prestigious squad; and  

WHEREAS, along with Golf Coach Blaine Hancock, Kathryn Ha and her teammates have showcased their skills and garnered more attention for the Spartans program than ever before; and

WHEREAS, Kathryn also excels in the classroom as a Governor’s School student who will attend Vanderbilt University in the fall to further her education and compete as an NCAA varsity golfer; 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 Kathryn’s amazing achievements during the 2024 golf 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.

Salem City Council:

John Saunders, Hunter Holliday, Randy Foley, Anne Marie Green - Vice Mayor, Renée Ferris Turk - Mayor

Kathryn Ha (second from right) is joined by her parents and Vice Mayor Anne Marie Green.