House Concurrent Resolution 104

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND WORKS OF NIKKI QUARLES AND EXPRESSING SYMPATHY UPON HER PASSING.

WHEREAS, Nikki Quarles, a reading teacher for fifth and sixth graders at St. Richard Catholic School, departed this life at the age of 26 on January 25, 2003, causing a great loss to her students, friends and family; and

WHEREAS, an enthusiast for reading and literature, Ms. Quarles began her quest to share her passion for reading and literature by working in the day care at First Baptist Church in Ridgeland, Mississippi, during her summer breaks from college; and

WHEREAS, after working with children during her summer breaks, Ms. Quarles graduated from her beloved alma mater, Mississippi State University, in 1999; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from Mississippi State University, Nikki Quarles was immediately hired to teach at St. Richard Catholic School where she could fulfill her calling from God to work in Catholic education; and

WHEREAS, as a teacher, Ms. Quarles not only taught reading to her students, she was also concerned about her students' personal lives and made sure that all of her students knew that she loved them; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Legislature to pay tribute to an exemplary young Mississippian, such as Ms. Nikki Quarles, who dedicated her life to the betterment of young people through instilling a love for reading and showing sincere concern for them:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the life and works of Ms. Nikki Quarles and express our deepest sympathy to her family.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Nikki Quarles and to the Capitol Press Corps.