House Concurrent Resolution 108

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING SHAUNTAY HINTON OF STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI, ON BEING NAMED MISS USA 2002.

WHEREAS, Shauntay Hinton, daughter of Ms. Ella Hinton of Starkville, Mississippi, was crowned Miss USA 2002 on March 1, 2002, before an enthusiastic audience at the 51st Miss USA Pageant competition held in Gary, Indiana; and

WHEREAS, very active and outgoing in her high school years, Ms. Hinton, a 1997 graduate of Starkville High School, named Homecoming Queen and Miss Yellow Jacket by her fellow students and was a member of the varsity cheerleading team, Student Government Association and Drama Club; and

WHEREAS, upon graduating from Starkville High, Ms. Hinton enrolled at Howard University where she is majoring in Broadcast Communications, aspiring to become a network television anchorwoman and successful entrepreneur; and

WHEREAS, at age 23, Ms. Hinton credits her grandmother, who went back to college in her late 60's and received a degree in elementary education, as being her biggest inspirational force; and

WHEREAS, representing the District of Columbia when crowned Miss USA, Ms. Hinton will serve a year as a representative of the Miss Universe Organization, traveling the world, meeting heads of state and dignitaries, participating in official charity and social events, making television appearances and speaking to groups, large and small, on various topics, which experiences will provide her the education and values necessary to fulfill her career goals; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Hinton plans to spend her reign building awareness for breast and ovarian cancer, Miss USA's official cause; and

WHEREAS, having worked with groups like the Fannie Mae Foundation's "Help the Homeless Walkathon" and Miriam's Kitchen, Ms. Hinton also avows to promote the issues and causes associated with homelessness; and

WHEREAS, in May, the United States will be proudly represented by Ms. Hinton in the Miss Universe Competition; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Hinton finds strength and stability in the love, support and encouragement of those most dear to her heart, the members of her family: mother, Ella; brother, Soloman; sister, Ken; and her pet turtle, "Tyrone"; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend excellence, as evidenced by this beautiful and talented young lady Mississippi is proud to call her own, Ms. Shauntay Hinton:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Ms. Shauntay Hinton of Starkville, Mississippi, upon being crowned Miss USA 2002, and extend to her our heartiest wishes for success in the Miss Universe Competition and in all her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Ms. Shauntay Hinton and the members of the Capitol Press Corps.