House Resolution 8

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING DR. PRESTON HUGHES UPON THE KOSCIUSKO LEARNING ENHANCEMENT AND ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM (LEAP) CENTER BEING DECLARED A NATIONAL "POINT OF LIGHT."

WHEREAS, Dr. Preston Hughes, a citizen of Attala County, Mississippi, is a West Point graduate and retired U.S. Army Colonel; and

WHEREAS, he received a letter dated August 8, 2001, from former President George Bush declaring the Kosciusko Learning Enhancement and Achievement Program Center as a national "Point of Light"; and

WHEREAS, in the letter from President Bush, Dr. Hughes' dedication to providing help for at risk students is characterized as a remarkable example of generosity and compassion that aids in bettering our nation's communities; and

WHEREAS, LEAP, cofounded by Dr. Hughes, is an award winning after school homework assistance program staffed by teachers and volunteers who provide free tutoring for students in grades K-12; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Hughes and those working in conjunction with him have committed themselves to furthering the success of students throughout the state and nation by extending an invitation to educational leaders to visit the Kosciusko LEAP Center; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Hughes has not only committed himself to promoting education, but has also endeavored to promote racial reconciliation by cofounding "The Club" in 1995; and

WHEREAS, "The Club" has been cited by former President Bill Clinton's Initiative on Race Advisory Board as a "promising practice," and is often mentioned in the speeches of former Mississippi Governor William Winter; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Hughes' assets of organizational, people and communicational skills and dedication to the belief of a quality education for all were instrumental in the receipt of the center's honor; and

WHEREAS, this noteworthy accomplishment of Dr. Hughes brings national honor and recognition to his family, his community and the State of Mississippi, and it reflects a great credit upon his leadership abilities:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Dr. Preston Hughes upon the Kosciusko LEAP Center being declared a national "Point of Light" and wish him great success in his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Dr. Preston Hughes and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.