House Resolution 15

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING JONATHAN MASON ON ACHIEVING THE HONOR OF THE EAGLE SCOUT AWARD.

WHEREAS, Jonathan Mason of Moss Point, Mississippi, attained the rank of Eagle Scout on January 31, 2004; and

WHEREAS, the son of Arthur and Doris Mason and grandson of Mrs. Mary C. Mason, Jonathan is a member of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Troop 476 of Moss Point, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Jonathan has been a Boy Scout participant for approximately nine years, earning the required merit badges to fulfill his duties and obligations of maintaining and promoting the mission and vision of the Boy Scouts of America; and

WHEREAS, adhering to the Scout Oath and abiding by the Scout Law, Jonathan was able to acquire this coveted honor by advancing his knowledge, leadership skills, organizational skills, hours of community service, as well as support from the community, peers and family; and

WHEREAS, with the assistance of Moss Point District 2 Supervisor, Robert Norvell, Jonathan's Eagle Scout project consisted of planning, organizing and working on the beautification of the entrance and exit of Eddie Khayat Park and the restoration of the landscape aesthetics of the Pointe Place subdivision entrance; and

WHEREAS, in conjunction with his scout tasks, Jonathan, a senior at Moss Point High School, has excelled and maintained commendable academic standing, as exemplified by the many honors and awards he has received, such as honor roll, the National Honor Society, the Beta Club, the Academic Talent Award and the Math and Chemistry Team; and

WHEREAS, Jonathan has aspirations of pursuing a career in pharmacy and has already gained early admission and scholarships to several universities, including: University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), University of Southern Mississippi, Jackson State University, Tougaloo College, Alcorn State University and Xavier University; and

WHEREAS, a member of First Baptist Church, where he is a member of the junior choir, drill team and an assistant Sunday School teacher, Jonathan possesses a deep passion for music, and enjoys the leisurely activities of reading, writing poetry and talking with friends; and

WHEREAS, Jonathan, by receiving this honor, is making history twice by being one of two recipients from Troop 474, and by being one of two African-American recipients of the Eagle Scout Award in Moss Point, in approximately thirty years; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature 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 Jonathan Mason on receiving the honor of 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 Jonathan Mason and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.