House Resolution 66

A RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING THE HOLLY SPRINGS ROTARY CLUB ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS FOUNDING AND CHARTERING AS AN OFFICIAL MEMBER OF ROTARY INTERNATIONAL.

WHEREAS, the Holly Springs Rotary Club, a distinguished chapter of Rotary International, was founded on February 26, 1925, and officially certified as a chartered member of Rotary International on March 25, 1925, thereby marking a century of unwavering dedication to service within Marshall County and beyond; and

WHEREAS, the Rotary Club is a nonpolitical and nonreligious global organization committed to fostering peace, goodwill and understanding through the collaboration of business, professional and community leaders, boasting a worldwide membership of over 1.4 million Rotarians in more than 46,000 clubs; and

WHEREAS, the Holly Springs Rotary Club was initially sponsored by the Memphis Rotary Club, with special representative Dabney Crump, and had as its first president Lester G. Fant, along with fellow founding officers and charter members who laid a strong foundation for the club's future; and

WHEREAS, throughout its 100-year history, the Holly Springs Rotary Club has upheld the motto "Service Above Self," by actively participating in numerous civic and charitable initiatives, including educational scholarships for local high school graduates, support for the Crippled Children's Hospital in Memphis, sponsorship of the Boy Scouts, community beautification projects and international humanitarian efforts such as Rotary International's "Polio Plus" campaign and the Mid-South Gift of Life program, which provides life-saving medical procedures for children in need; and

WHEREAS, the club has also played a pivotal role in youth development and education by sponsoring the Rust College Rotaract Club, organizing the annual ACT Prep Program, recognizing exemplary students through the Student of the Month and Extraordinary Effort Award programs and sponsoring students to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA); and

WHEREAS, the Holly Springs Rotary Club has remained a steadfast pillar in the community by supporting civic engagement, disaster relief, city clean-ups and numerous outreach programs aimed at fostering unity, economic growth and leadership development; and

WHEREAS, in its century-long existence, the club has provided outstanding leadership, including past and present presidents who have steered its mission forward, such as the first female Rotarian Lucy B. Carpenter, the first African-American Rotarian Mayor Eddie L. Smith, and a distinguished group of Paul Harris Fellows who have contributed significantly to Rotary's legacy; and

WHEREAS, the club will celebrate this momentous milestone with a Centennial Celebration appropriately themed, "A Century of Service and Community," on March 22, 2025, at 940 Outdoor & Co., where Rotarians, community leaders and citizens will gather to honor its rich history and continued commitment to service; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor organizations that exemplify a commitment to service, leadership and community engagement, as has been evidenced by the Holly Springs Rotary Club for the duration of its century of service, dedication to humanitarian efforts and commitment to improving the quality of life for citizens in Mississippi and beyond:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby congratulate the Holly Springs Rotary Club on the occasion of its 100th anniversary, commend its members for their service and wish the club continued success in the years ahead.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Holly Springs Rotary Club, Rotary District 6800 and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.