MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2007 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Burton, Dawkins, Dearing, Frazier, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Posey, White

Senate Concurrent Resolution 595

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE EAST CENTRAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE THETA XI CHAPTER OF PHI THETA KAPPA HONOR SOCIETY FOR ITS "PTK TACKLES THE COAST" CIVIC SERVICE CLEANUP PROJECT.

     WHEREAS, on October 28, 2006, East Central Community College's Theta Xi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and EC American Native Club participated in helping cleanup the Mississippi Coast; and

     WHEREAS, "PTK Tackles the Coast" was organized by East Central Community College's Theta Xi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa; and

     WHEREAS, twenty-four students from East Central Community College participated in "PTK Tackles the Coast," which is a civic service project that correlated with Keep America Beautiful and National Make a Difference Day.  The "PTK Tackles the Coast" project assisted the East Biloxi Coordination, Redevelopment and Relief Agency (EBCRRA) in their efforts to revive Biloxi Wards I and II where approximately 20,000 of the coastal city's poorest citizens reside; and

     WHEREAS, East Central Community College students volunteered in hand-delivering newsletters throughout Biloxi Wards I and II, rebuilding and organizing a church turned into EBCRRA's warehouse, as well as planting trees at a local school.  East Central Community College students volunteered a combined total of 288 hours to helping the rebuilding efforts in East Biloxi; and

     WHEREAS, "You people are a miracle," Project Coordinator Fanna Johnson told East Central Community College students at the end of the day's work.  "The enthusiasm all of you put into your work inspires this community more than you know," she said.  "Your contribution makes us work harder."  At the end of the day, East Central Community College students presented East Biloxi Coordination, Redevelopment and Relief Agency with a "You've been PTK'd" sign to celebrate the day; and

     WHEREAS, Phi Theta Kappa is an International Honor Society for two-year colleges.  Founded in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa's mission is two-fold:  (1) recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students, and (2) provide opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service and fellowship programming.  Its national headquarters is located on the grounds of Mississippi's Education and Research Center in Jackson, Mississippi; and

     WHEREAS, the "PTK Tackles the Coast" project assisted the efforts of the City of Biloxi to coordinate the construction starts of new residences and facilitate the gutting, mold remediation and rehabilitation of homes affected by Hurricane Katrina; and

     WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the civic service efforts of these young Mississippians who in their own way have assisted in rebuilding the Mississippi Gulf Coast neighborhoods devastated by Hurricane Katrina, and have thereby brought honor to their own college, community and to the State of Mississippi:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the East Central Community College Theta Xi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa honor society for its "PTK Tackles the Coast" civic service cleanup project in Biloxi and extend to them the best wishes of the Legislature in their future civic contributions.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be forwarded to the Phi Theta Kappa Chapter at East Central Community College and the Board of Trustees of East Central Community College and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.