On the recordJune 27, 2024
Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Ms. Emma Clarke of Rowan County, North Carolina's top high school female athlete of the year. Emma is a three-sport star and is the first female student athlete from Rowan County to receive the Pat Best Memorial Award honoring North Carolina's top male and female athletes. On the softball diamond, Emma received all-state honors twice and holds single season and career home run records in Rowan County. On the volleyball court, Emma earned all-State honors as both a junior and senior. Emma also dominated on the basketball court, earning all- conference and all-county honors while leading her team to a 31-0 record and a State championship this year. She capped off her outstanding career with the most outstanding player performance in the 3A State championship game victory. Emma now heads to the University of Tennessee to continue her softball career. Emma is a superstar. Her parents, Ken and Elizabeth Clarke; her grandparents, Commissioner Jim and Karen Greene, are so proud of her, and so am I. We can't wait to see what is yet to come. God bless Emma. ____________________
