House Concurrent Resolution 11

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MR. DAVID HARRIS FOR 30 YEARS OF SERVICE AS THE CEO OF THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST BLOSSMAN YMCA UPON HIS RETIREMENT.

WHEREAS, Mr. David Harris, CEO of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Blossman YMCA, is retiring after 30 years of dedicated and effective leadership and service to the YMCA; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Harris, a man who truly loves to help young people thrive and grow, began working with the YMCA with the intention to do so for only one year; and

WHEREAS, despite his intentions, the love and passion that Mr. Harris has for the Blossman YMCA has kept him busy for over 30 years; and

WHEREAS, under the loyal tenure of Mr. Harris, the Blossman YMCA has expanded its size and programs, paid off all of the YMCA's debt, improved the natatorium and expanded its facilities from a small office and two pools to a building which has $100,000.00 worth of equipment; and

WHEREAS, in addition to his effective leadership, Mr. Harris has a legendary "YMCA Wall of Fame" that contains thousands of photos that exhibit people who have been volunteers for the YMCA, campers, camp directors, swimmers, flag football players and elected officials who have been affiliated with the YMCA as well as a host of other individuals over the past 30 years; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Harris, who is proud of the fact that the YMCA never turned away a child that was in need, has memories of the YMCA as a kaleidoscope of little happy, smiling faces that learn to swim, enjoy camp, as well as a host of other YMCA activities; and

WHEREAS, although Mr. Harris is retiring, he will continue to work with the YMCA in its fundraising efforts to raise money to provide scholarships for children, which is truly a testament of his drive to help children succeed; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Harris has been lovingly supported throughout all of his endeavors by his lovely wife of 47 years, Melba, their two successful sons and four wonderful grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize an outstanding Mississippian such as Mr. David Harris who has touched the lives of hundreds of young people through his selfless and tireless service to the YMCA, which has not only positively affected the Mississippi Gulf Coast, but this great state as a whole:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mr. David Harris on 30 years of exceptional and outstanding leadership as the CEO of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Blossman YMCA and extend heartiest wishes upon his retirement and all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. David Harris and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.