Senate Resolution 5

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING TYLER SKELTON OF MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI, FIRST RECIPIENT OF THE "STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART" AWARD FROM THE PARTNERSHIP FOR A HEALTHY MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, because of his tireless efforts, Tyler Skelton, a native of Meridian, Mississippi, and Senior at West Lauderdale High School, received the "Straight From the Heart" Award from The Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Attorney General Mike Moore presented the award during The Partnership's annual community awards luncheon on January 13, 2003; and

WHEREAS, Tyler was selected to be the first recipient of the award because of his commitment to making change in his community and statewide; he sets an example for others to follow and has dedicated himself to making a difference in the lives of all Mississippians; and

WHEREAS, Tyler is a member of the National Honor Society, Christian Fellowship Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Council Representative and active member of The Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, in 1998, The Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi went across the state looking for young people who would be interested in becoming spokespeople for tobacco prevention. Auditions were conducted at malls around the state. One particular 13-year-old heard the promos, and begged his Mom to take him to audition. Tyler showed up as the auditions were closing for the day, and he pleaded to be allowed to try out. He shared his personal story of having lost his father to tobacco use when Tyler was only five years old. Almost 1,000 young people tried out that day, but this one applicant stood out above all. He was only 13 years old, but his conviction and passion would inspire a movement; and

WHEREAS, as a founding member of the Frontline program and the longest-serving state board member, Tyler has played an integral role in shaping the youth movement that is changing the culture of health in Mississippi. He has toured the state and the nation to share his touching story of how he lost his father to tobacco-related lung cancer. He transforms his personal loss into passion and empowers young people to take charge to prevent this from happening to others. Tyler has testified before city and state lawmakers in an effort to make important policy changes; and

WHEREAS, in 2001, Tyler took it upon himself to educate his home county about the dangers of secondhand smoke. He petitioned the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors to make the County Courthouse smoke-free. As a result of his efforts, they implemented a smoke-free policy for all county-owned buildings and vehicles; and

WHEREAS, Tyler has worked with The Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi since its inception. Tyler's passion is personal and intense. He expects and demands that those working with him have that same intensity; and

WHEREAS, Tyler Skelton is a young man that Mississippi is proud to claim as its own:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Tyler Skelton of Meridian, Mississippi, as the first recipient of the "Straight From the Heart" Award from The Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi, and extend to him and his family the best wishes of the Mississippi Senate for this honor and in his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Tyler Skelton and his family, be forwarded to Attorney General Mike Moore and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.