House Resolution 43

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MICAL COOK, UPON EARNING THE EAGLE SCOUT AWARD, AND EXTENDING SINCEREST WISHES FOR CONTINUED SUCCESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

WHEREAS, Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by Black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in United States history; and

WHEREAS, in 1976, President Gerald R. Ford urged Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of the Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history"; and

WHEREAS, on June 8, 1926, Edgar Cunningham Sr., became the first African-American Eagle Scout, as a member of Troop 12, in Waterloo, Iowa, of the Wapsipinicon Area Council, under the leadership of scoutmaster James Lincoln Page, a World War I veteran, who organized the first all-Black Boy Scout Troops, which were Troops 9 and 10, on February 10, 1925; and

WHEREAS, the title of Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), awarded to any boy scout who has earned 21 merit badges and demonstrated Scout Spirit through the Boy Scout Oath and Law, service and leadership, which include an execution of an extensive service project that the scout plans, organizes, leads and manages; and

WHEREAS, completion of these important community projects are used to assess the scout's demonstration of leadership and commitment to duty, and often benefit religious institutions, schools and the community, without inuring the benefit of the Boy Scouts or be of a commercial nature; and

WHEREAS, Eagle Scouts are presented with a medal and a badge that visibly recognizes the accomplishments of the scout, and additional recognition can be earned through Eagle Palms, awarded for completing additional tenure, leadership, and merit badge requirements; and

WHEREAS, Mical Cook has fulfilled his duties and obligations of maintaining and promoting the mission and vision of the Boy Scouts of America by earning the required 21 merit badges, while maintaining "B" academic honors as a senior at West Jones High School; and

WHEREAS, a stand out scholar-athlete who is a member of the West Jones football team, Mical's church, Old Palestine Missionary Baptist Church, is a constant source of encouragement, and reinforces the achievements and accomplishments of this young African-American man in representation of the continued legacy of excellence of the first African-American Eagle Scout, Edgar Cunningham Sr.; and

WHEREAS, on Sunday, February 25, 2024, Mical Cook will join the elite ranks of the proud few who have earned the distinguished honor of being bestowed the title of Eagle Scout; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend young Mississippians, such as Mical Cook, who has attained scouting's highest rank and in doing so, brought honor to his family, school, community and the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mical Cook, upon earning the Eagle Scout Award, and extend sincerest wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Eagle Scout Mical Cook and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.