House Resolution 16

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING DARIUS HARRIS ON ACHIEVING THE HONOR OF THE EAGLE SCOUT AWARD.

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

WHEREAS, the son of Larry and Lillie Watts and grandson of Victoria and Eddie Williams and Wilda and Bernum Tate, Darius is a member of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Troop 476 of Moss Point, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Darius has been a Boy Scout participant for approximately ten 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, Darius 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, Darius' 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, Darius, a senior at Moss Point High School, is a member of the Marching Band, Jazz Band, Pep Band and Concert Band, and has received several awards, including: King of the Band for 2003-2004, Most Improved Player Award and Excellent Display of Leadership Award; and

WHEREAS, a member of Greater Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Darius has aspirations of attending Tennessee State University in pursuit of a career in computer science; and

WHEREAS, Darius, by receiving this honor, is making history twice by being one of two recipients from Troop 476, and by being one of two African-American recipients of the Eagle Scout honor 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 Darius 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 Darius Harris and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.