Senate Concurrent Resolution 559

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING MIRIAM SANDERSON GARNER OF HOUSTON, MISSISSIPPI, AS THE GOVERNOR-ELECT OF THE MISSISSIPPI DISTRICT OF PILOT INTERNATIONAL SERVICE ORGANIZATION.

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we congratulate Miriam Sanderson Garner of Houston, Mississippi, as the Governor-Elect of the Mississippi District of Pilot International Service Organization. She will be installed at the Mississippi District April Convention; and

WHEREAS, Miriam has been serving her community as a teacher for the past 20 years. She is the Houston High School Library Media Specialist and the Pilot Anchor Sponsor; and

WHEREAS, in 1952, Pilot International began to recruit youth members through the establishment of Anchor Clubs, a volunteer service organization for young people. Today, there are over 7,000 Anchors worldwide with new clubs and members being added monthly. Through professionally developed curriculum and strategic partnerships with national organizations, Pilot encourages and provides opportunities for youth development and leadership around the globe; and

WHEREAS, since 1992, Pilot International has worked in the area of brain-related service and has narrowed its focus to brain safety and health. Pilots are active in local safety fairs and bike rodeos where they seek to educate children about the importance of brain-safety practices and often distribute free bike helmets to participants. Pilots also participate in Pilot International's BrainMindersTM award-winning family of brain-safety educational programs and are active partners with SafeKids Worldwide; and

WHEREAS, in 2013, Pilot International introduced the "Pick Me Ups" initiative for Family Caregivers. Through both fundraising and hands-on service work, local Pilot and Anchor Clubs provide a little Pick-Me-Up for Caregivers in their communities. Many Pilot Clubs work with The Brain Injury Association of America to support and sustain several exemplary camps for individuals with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). These facilities offer a positive experience for the campers while also providing a much-needed rest for their parents; and

WHEREAS, Miriam's husband is a respected U.S. Army Veteran of 26 years and continues to contribute to his community. The Garners have four children who are excelling in their academics and will contribute to their community using their parents as role models; and

WHEREAS, Pilot International serves the community and the State of Mississippi by preparing youth for service and makes a difference as an organization that cares for others:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize Miriam Sanderson Garner of Houston, Mississippi, as the Governor-Elect of the Mississippi District of Pilot International Service Organization, and extend our congratulations to this public-spirited citizen of Mississippi with enormous civic energy.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Governor-Elect Miriam Sanderson Garner, forwarded to the Mississippi District of Pilot International, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.