WHEREAS, for 15 years, Ray Reynolds has raised thousands of dollars in scholarships for Henry County students and paid tribute to the memory of the Short family through the Jennifer Short Memorial Scholarship Ride; and

WHEREAS, Ray Reynolds established the Jennifer Short Memorial Scholarship Ride to raise awareness of the 2002 murder of Michael, Mary, and Jennifer Short in hopes that their killer would one day be brought to justice; and

WHEREAS, the Jennifer Short Memorial Scholarship Ride runs from Fieldale to the Jennifer Renee Short Bridge on Grogan Road in Stoneville and back; Ray Reynolds developed the idea for the ride after his own emotional visit to the memorial bridge; and

WHEREAS, nearly 200 motorcycles and several vintage cars participated in the 15th Jennifer Short Memorial Scholarship Ride in 2017, and the event enjoys a great deal of support from community members and law-enforcement officers; and

WHEREAS, under Ray Reynolds' leadership, the Jennifer Short Memorial Scholarship Ride has awarded more than 42 scholarships, totaling more than $40,000, and played a critical role in helping local high school students pursue higher education; and

WHEREAS, possessed of a servant's heart, Ray Reynolds has organized or supported several other charitable events, including Big Bird's Toy Run, Victory Junction, and the Cpl. Jonathan Bowling Memorial Motorcycle Ride; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Ray Reynolds for 15 years of work in organizing the Jennifer Short Memorial Scholarship Ride; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Ray Reynolds as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his generosity and care for the members of the community.