LANSING – State Rep. John Proos honored student-athlete Joique Bell in a ceremony at the state Capitol.

Bell, a Benton Harbor native, was named the 2009 Harlon Hill Trophy winner, an award bestowed upon the Division II College Football Player of the Year.

“It was an honor to recognize a young man who has been such a role model and leader for his peers,” said Proos, R-St. Joseph, “In a time when good headlines are hard to come by for our state, Bell has given us all something to cheer for and be proud of.”

Bell recently graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in Criminal Justice.

Bell was honored with a proclamation on the floor of the Michigan State House of Representatives and was congratulated by many of the state legislators.

“This young man has a bright future in front of him – on and off the field,” Proos said. “His successes as a student-athlete are a direct result of extraordinary hard work and determination.”

Proos noted that the Harlon Hill Trophy crowns a long list of awards won by Bell, who was also the 2009 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year, and a four-time first-team All-GLIAC selection and eight-time 2009 GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week.