House Resolution 11

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING JOHN DARWIN "TIGER" MAPLES ON RECEIVING THE EAGLE SCOUT AWARD.

WHEREAS, John Darwin "Tiger" Maples of Perkinston, Mississippi, attained the rank of Eagle Scout on November 14, 2001; and

WHEREAS, the son of Stephen and Cindy Maples, John Darwin is a member of Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Troop 25 of Lucedale, Mississippi, where he has held leadership positions as Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader and Quartermaster; and

WHEREAS, John Darwin has been a Boy Scout Camp Tiak participant for four years, earning required Merit Badges for completing the mile swim for three consecutive years and completing the requirements for BSA lifeguard; and

WHEREAS, in addition to earning these merits, John Darwin was also a 2001 participant at Fort A. P. Hill, Virginia, at the National Scout Jamboree; and

WHEREAS, John Darwin's Eagle Scout project consisted of planning, working and raising the funds necessary to build an outside classroom deck for the students at Benndale Elementary School in George County, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, in conjunction with his scout tasks, John Darwin has excelled and maintained creditable academic standing, as exemplified by the many honors and awards he has received such as honor roll, the Algebra Award, the Citizenship Award and the President's Student Service Award for Outstanding Community Service; and

WHEREAS, John Darwin also balances a healthy extracurricular schedule, including being a member of the student council, football and soccer teams; and

WHEREAS, a freshman at George County High School, John Darwin resides on Tiger Branch, the family farm, with his parents and younger brother, Sam, who is also a Boy Scout; and

WHEREAS, John Darwin, a member of Pine Grove United Methodist Church, enjoys the leisurely activities of hunting, swimming and working on the family farm; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives of the State of Mississippi to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by the young people of our state, who are its future:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate John Darwin "Tiger" Maples on receiving the Eagle Scout Award and wish to express our heartiest wishes for success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to John Darwin "Tiger" Maples and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.