MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) White (29th)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING CENTURY COUNCIL SPOKESMAN BRANDON SILVERIA FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS IN EDUCATING STUDENTS ABOUT THE DANGERS OF TEEN DRINKING AND DRIVING.

WHEREAS, Brandon Silveria, who at 17 was seriously injured in an alcohol-related crash in his native northern California, now tours the country full-time on behalf of the Century Council to educate students about the dangers of teen drinking and driving; and

WHEREAS, the Century Council, funded by America's leading distillers, is an organization dedicated to fighting alcohol abuse, focusing on drunk driving and underage drinking problems; and

WHEREAS, since becoming spokespersons for the Century Council, Brandon Silveria and his father have addressed more than 250,000 parents and students in New York, California, Maine, Oregon, Texas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Michigan, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, Virginia, Massachusetts, Connecticut and the District of Columbia; and

WHEREAS, in addition to local media coverage in every city Brandon Silveria visits, his story has been featured on the nationally syndicated television programs, "Rescue 911" and "Leeza"; and

WHEREAS, during his presentations, Brandon Silveria shares the tragic story of his 1987 alcohol-related accident which left him in a coma for over two-and-one-half months and in rehabilitation for several years; and

WHEREAS, his presentations continue to receive standing ovations and pledges to never drink and drive from students across the country; and

WHEREAS, on March 18, 1999, Brandon Silveria will tell his story at Hillcrest High Christian School and at the Junior Auxiliary of Byram-Terry's "Parents Town Meeting," and on March 19, 1999, he will address over 1,000 students at Terry High School:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Century Council spokesman Brandon Silveria for his contributions in educating students about the dangers of teen drinking and driving.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Brandon Silveria and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.