Senate Resolution 35

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE HOUSTON VOCATIONAL CENTER "SUNDANCER" SOLAR RACE CAR TEAM FOR ITS SUCCESS AT THE DELL-WINSTON SOLAR CHALLENGE AND FOR BRINGING ATTENTION TO ALTERNATIVE ENERGY PROGRAMS.

WHEREAS, the Houston Vocational Center in Houston, Mississippi, has surprised the nation with two solar-powered car racing championships; and

WHEREAS, the Houston "Sundancer" Solar Race Car Team has competed and won the Dell-Winston Solar Challenge, a national competition for alternative energy automobiles, in 2001 and 2002; and

WHEREAS, the purpose of the privately-sponsored national race and the purpose of the Houston Solar Race Car Team is to encourage student interest in science, engineering and solar technology; and

WHEREAS, the Houston Solar Car Team has received an impressive donation from the Mississippi Alternative Energy Enterprise as part of its annual fund-raising activity, which was supported by the attendance of the State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Henry Johnson; and

WHEREAS, this project is part of the plan by the Mississippi Alternative Energy Enterprise to promote solar car racing across Mississippi and promote economic development and alternative energy use; and

WHEREAS, President George Bush has urged state governments to work on projects to become less dependent on foreign oil, and members of the Legislature have advocated using Mississippi's natural resources to accomplish the goal of energy independence; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the unique accomplishments of these students whose interest in solar technology has brought honor to their school, their 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 the Houston Vocational Center "Sundancer" Solar Race Car Team for winning the Dell-Winston Solar Challenge on consecutive years, and for bringing attention to alternative energy resources in Mississippi through this project, and extend to them the best wishes of the Senate for success in future technological projects.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the Houston Solar Race Car Team when their "Sundancer Solar Race Car" is on exhibit at the New Capitol Building on March 20, 2003, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.