Senate Joint Resolution 521, sponsored by Southerland, honors Karina Laureano Ruiz, a pre-dental hygiene major at Walters State Community College, for her remarkable achievement of being named to the All-Tennessee Academic Team. This prestigious recognition, awarded during the Tennessee Board of Regents' SOAR celebration, highlights her exceptional academic performance and dedication to excellence. Only twenty-six students across Tennessee receive this honor, making it a significant accomplishment for Ruiz, who hails from Morristown.

The resolution expresses the General Assembly's admiration for Ruiz's hard work and commitment to her studies, acknowledging the pride her achievements bring to her family, school, and community. It concludes by wishing her continued success and happiness in her future endeavors, and it calls for an appropriate copy of the resolution to be prepared for presentation.