By By Fredie Carmichael/The Meridian Star
Nov. 30, 2001
Over the Thanksgiving weekend, Meridian High School senior William Sharpe received a Federal Express package at his doorstep that he won't soon forget.
Sharpe's mom, Marilyn Bell, said she still remembers when her son opened the package.
The package included a letter from Chevrolet in Salt Lake City, informing him he had been selected to be a support runner for the ceremonial Torch Relay for the XIX Olympic Winter Games. The box also included a blue jump suit, gloves and a hat; all of which were marked with the 2002 Olympic Games emblem.
Sharpe runs on the Wildcats' cross country team. He will run along with a torch relay team in Biloxi on Dec. 9 in a relay that starts in Atlanta and will involve more than 11,000 torch bearers around the country who will help carry the Olympic flame to Salt Lake City site of the 2002 Olympics.
Sharpe was chosen to run alongside the flame for a half mile segment on Highway 90, just outside of Biloxi.
Steve Hall, general manager of Nelson Hall Chevrolet in Meridian, presented Sharpe with a check for $200 on Thursday to cover his expenses on the trip. Chevrolet is the presenting sponsor of the torch relay event.
Hall and Meridian High School athletic director Billy Burnham were among committee members who nominated Sharpe to carry the torch.
Burnham said he felt Sharpe was the perfect candidate to represent the area.
Fredie Carmichael is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3228, or e-mail him at fcarmichael@themeridianstar.com.