MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives Davis, King, Watson

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI CENTER FOR GIFTED STUDIES ON THE CELEBRATION OF ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY.

WHEREAS, the Center for Gifted Studies at The University of Southern Mississippi is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 1999; and

WHEREAS, in 1979, Dr. Frances A. Karnes, whose professional life has been devoted to meeting the educational needs and challenges of gifted students, founded the Center for Gifted Studies to further the education of gifted students through teaching, research and services; and

WHEREAS, under Dr. Karnes continued service as the Center's director, some 7,000 students have benefited from its programs, and hundreds of teachers have been trained to teach gifted students; and

WHEREAS, the Center for Gifted Studies offers a variety of services, including instructional programs for intellectually gifted students, a program to develop leadership concepts and skills, teacher training, in-service education and an annual conference for parents and gifted youth and other concerned adults; and

WHEREAS, the Center provides several programs designed specifically for the youth, including the Saturday Gifted Studies Program, the Summer Gifted Studies Program, the Leadership Studies Program, the Summer Program for Academically Talented Youth and Leadership Competitions; and

WHEREAS, the parenting Gifted Children Conference is held annually in the fall for parents and concerned adults to gain information from those knowledgeable about the intellectual, academic, social and emotional needs of these unique students; and

WHEREAS, teachers may receive specific training in the area of gifted education and earn advanced degrees with an emphasis in gifted education at the master's, specialist and doctoral levels; and

WHEREAS, the Center has gathered and analyzed data for the purposes of identification, curriculum development and evaluation and program development and evaluation; and

WHEREAS, it is most appropriate for this Legislature to recognize and commend the Center for Gifted Studies at The University of Southern Mississippi, an outstanding institution that has aided in the development of gifted children of our state and entire nation, the future leaders of tomorrow:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend The University of Southern Mississippi Center for Gifted Studies on the celebration of its 20th Anniversary and express our deepest appreciation to Dr. Frances A. Karnes and the entire faculty and staff of the Center for their countless contributions to the State of Mississippi.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Center for Gifted Studies, Dr. Frances A. Karnes and members of the Capitol Press Corps.