Senate Resolution 22

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MISS TARYN LEIGH FOSHEE UPON BEING NAMED MISS MISSISSIPPI 2006.

WHEREAS, Miss Taryn Leigh Foshee, daughter of Jim and Kathleen Foshee of Clinton, Mississippi, was crowned Miss Mississippi 2006 after competing against 42 other contestants in the Miss Mississippi Pageant held in Vicksburg, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, an active and outgoing student, Taryn graduated with honors from Hillcrest Christian School in 2003, where she served as Senior Class President, on the Honor Council, was inducted into the Hillcrest Hall of Fame and Who's Who Among American High School Students; and

WHEREAS, Taryn Foshee, Miss Mississippi 2006, is a Senior in the Shackouls Honors Program at Mississippi State University where she is pursuing a degree in communication with an emphasis in public relations. At Mississippi State University, Taryn is a member of the Lambda Pi Eta Communication Honor Society and Chi Omega Sorority. She was elected to serve in Order of Omega, Freshman Forum, and as President of the Lambda Sigma Honor Society. Taryn was also chosen to be the host of Mississippi State University OnAir, a 2005 Recruitment Counselor, and as the Public Relations Chair for Greek Life. She was the recipient of the 2006 Hank Flick Outstanding Service Scholarship and was a President's Scholar in 2004, 2005, and 2006. Upon graduation, Taryn will continue her education by attending law school; and

WHEREAS, a veteran competitor in the pageantry circuit, Miss Foshee's beauty, poise, grace and experience overwhelmingly impressed the panel of judges, thereby enabling her to capture this year's title after placing as second alternate and preliminary talent winner in years 2004 and 2005; and

WHEREAS, at the age of 8, Taryn began studying piano, when she soon realized that music would become an integral part of her life. She continued with formal lessons for the next ten years. After high school, Taryn studied with several professional pianists to learn how to entertain through her performances. For the last two years, Taryn has taught young pianists how to connect and communicate with their audience through showmanship and entertainment technique; and

WHEREAS, the Miss America Organization's emphasis on the complete person, scholarship, talent, and service is what attracted Taryn to the program. As a 17-year-old high school senior, she began her journey by winning a local title and receiving a nonfinalist talent award at the 2003 Miss Mississippi Pageant. The program was a perfect match for her, and she went on to compete in 2004 being named 2nd alternate and preliminary talent winner. In 2005, she was once again selected 2nd alternate and won a preliminary talent award. The fourth time was the charm for Taryn as she received a preliminary talent award and was crowned Miss Mississippi 2006. Taryn placed 3rd in the National Miss America Pageant where she represented the State of Mississippi with beauty, poise and experience; and

WHEREAS, as spokesperson for SON Valley, an assisted living community for adults with mental retardation, Miss Foshee created a presentational DVD for the organization and has spoken to numerous schools, churches and civic organizations promoting its empowering impact on the lives of those who are mentally challenged; and

WHEREAS, now as Miss Mississippi, Taryn, who is an ardent advocate for increasing the quality of life for the mentally challenged, and who created the "Adopt a Special Friend" program for high school students, will travel the state establishing chapters of Students Against Destructive Decisions and promoting her platform of empowering young people to make good choices; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the accomplishments, deed, civic dedication of this young Mississippian who has brought honor to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Miss Taryn Leigh Foshee upon being crowned Miss Mississippi 2006 and extend to her our heartiest wishes for success in all her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be presented to Miss Taryn Leigh Foshee and made available to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.