Proclamation Recognizing Hines Edward Ward Jr.

On April 28, 2022, ​a proclamation was presented by the Honorable Mayor and
Forest Park City Council recognizing Hines Edward Ward Jr. 

WHEREAS: Hines Edward Ward Jr., born March 8, 1976, is a two-time Super Bowl champion and former wide receiver of the National Football League (NFL), and;

WHEREAS: Under the guidance of coach Mike Parris, Hines Ward showcased his athletic skills as a quarterback at Forest Park High School (class of 1994) and was a two-time Clayton County Offensive Player of the Year, and;

WHEREAS:  Hines Ward played college football at the University of Georgia and was a top scholar-athlete, earning All-SEC honors his senior year and finishing his college career as Georgia's second all-time receiver with more than 140 receptions, and;

WHEREAS: After being selected in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft, Hines Ward played 14 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, appeared in two Super Bowls and was named the MVP of Super Bowl XL, helping lead the Steelers to a 21-10 win over the Seattle Seahawks, and;

WHEREAS: He and his partner, Kym Johnson, showcased their moves on the dance floor and won season 12 of the American TV dance competition Dancing with the Stars, and;

WHEREAS: On and off the field, Hines Ward has been an outstanding man of character in his community both locally and internationally, having founded the Hines Ward Helping Hands Foundation, which supports underprivileged and inner-city youth with literacy and other programs designed to help them succeed in life.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Forest Park do herby recognize Hines Ward for his exceptional accomplishments, as well as the Clayton County Board of Education for their decision to rename Tara Stadium as the Hines Ward Field at Tara Stadium.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hand on this 28 day of April 2022 and have caused the Official Seal of the great City of Forest Park to be affixed hereto.