MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Hall, Ross

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 30 JACKSON PREPARATORY SCHOOL SENIORS CHOSEN AS 1998-1999 NATIONAL MERIT FOUNDATION SEMIFINALISTS.

WHEREAS, Jackson Preparatory School has a history of producing National Merit Semifinalists, but this year's senior class has taken that tradition to a new level since thirty Prep students have qualified for recognition; and

WHEREAS, Semifinalists status is conferred by the National Merit Foundation and is awarded to only one-half of one percent of the state's high school seniors; and

WHEREAS, the thirty chosen as 1998-1999 Semifinalists constitute a cross-section of student life at Prep and include the following students: Drew Davis, Mat Jones Alex Lee, Bill Shearer, Nathan Lott, Jay Carney, Shea Loper, James Bassett, Sam Cole, Megan Norris, Jennifer Dunaway, Jonathan Strain, Charles Paul, Steven Sanders, Michael Kriss, David Black, Chris Savoie, Signe Shackelford, Dan O'Regan, Emily Wood, Beth Rush, Mary Mills Lane, Lindsay Allen, Elizabeth Rickman, Mary K. Harkins, Rebecca Henley, Erin Reed, Freda Busby, Anna Cabell and Alice Wood; and

WHEREAS, these honorees participate in a variety of activities including basketball, band, debate, cheerleading, newspaper, literary magazine, cross country, yearbook, computer club, student council, honorary societies and service organizations, all representing the broad scope of activities available to the students at this excellent school; and

WHEREAS, Jackson Prep has produced 312 National Merit Semifinalists since 1970, more than any other school in Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, as the State of Mississippi strives for excellence in education, it is appropriate to recognize the educational experience offered at Jackson Preparatory School, which through its experienced and accomplished faculty provides broad-based classroom experiences and activities designed to stimulate the mind and cultivate a life-long love of learning:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MISSISSIPPI STATE SENATE, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the thirty Jackson Preparatory School seniors chosen as 1998-1999 National Merit Foundation Semifinalists.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution be presented to Jackson Prep Headmaster Bill McGee and that copies be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.