Senate Resolution 29

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING PAMELA PRIDGEN OF HATTIESBURG, MISSISSIPPI, WINNER OF THE 2002 PUBLIC HUMANITIES ACHIEVEMENT AWARD OF THE MISSISSIPPI HUMANITIES COUNCIL.

WHEREAS. Pamela Pridgen's efforts in bringing a series of national exhibits to the Forrest County Library System have earned her one of the state's five humanities awards; and

WHEREAS, Pridgen, Director of The Library of Hattiesburg, Petal and Forrest County, will receive the 2002 Public Humanities Achievement Award of the Mississippi Humanities Council in ceremonies to be held in Jackson, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the award recognizes Pridgen's leadership and the library's contribution in making exhibits on topics as varied as George Washington and the abolition of slavery available to Pine

Belt residents; and

WHEREAS, the award is given by the Mississippi Humanities Council, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities; and

WHEREAS, former library trustee, Betty McKenzie, credits Pridgen's leadership not only in bringing the series of humanities programs to the city, but as the catalyst in the 1996 opening of the new library which has made the system so successful; and

WHEREAS, exhibits include George Washington and the American Republic, Produce for Victory; Posters from the American Homefront and Free at Last: A History of the Abolition of Slavery in America; and

WHEREAS, in 1996 when the new facility opened, 100,000 books were checked out. Last year that number was about 400,000. In Forrest County, there are 35,000 registered borrowers, nearly half the county's population:

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize excellence evidenced by an outstanding Mississippi such as Pamela Pridgen, who has brought honor to her community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Pamela Pridgen of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, winner of the 2002 Public Humanities Achievement Award of the Mississippi Humanities Council and extend the best wishes of the Senate in her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be presented to Ms. Pamela Pridgen and the members of the Capitol Press Corps.