MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives Chaney, Flaggs

House Concurrent Resolution 97

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING MISS EMILY MATHES ON RECEIVING THE 1998 PRUDENTIAL SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARD. 

WHEREAS, Miss Emily Mathes, an esteemed resident of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and a student at Vicksburg Junior High School, has achieved national recognition for exemplary volunteer service by receiving a 1998 Prudential Spirit of Community Award; and

WHEREAS, this prestigious award, presented by The Prudential Insurance Company of America in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, honors young volunteers across America who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to serving their communities; and

WHEREAS, Miss Mathes earned this award by giving generously of her time and energy lobbying local government to restore an abandoned and neglected neighborhood park that had been a hangout for drug dealers; and

WHEREAS, working diligently for more than a year to enlist the support of the community, Miss Mathes collected signatures on petitions and presented them to the city administration, who recently approved Emily's plan for the purchase of the land, safe playground equipment and maintenance; and

WHEREAS, Miss Mathes has recruited several of her fellow classmates to clean up the park, and has worked with the city architect on an appropriate design for the restored site; and

WHEREAS, the success of the State of Mississippi, the strength of our communities, and the overall vitality of American society depend, in great measure, upon the dedication of young people like Miss Mathes who use their considerable talents and resources to serve others; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature of the State of Mississippi finds it most appropriate to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by the youth of our state, who are its future:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do commend and congratulate Miss Emily Mathes on receiving the Prudential Spirit of Community Award and extend to her our best wishes for her continued success in all her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Miss Emily Mathes and the Capitol Press Corps.