House Resolution 25

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MICHAEL D. KENNEDY ON OBTAINING THE ROYAL RANGERS GOLD MEDAL OF ACHIEVEMENT.

WHEREAS, Michael D. Kennedy of Stonewall, Mississippi, recently completed the requirements for the Royal Rangers Gold Medal of Achievement, the highest award obtainable in the Royal Rangers program; and

WHEREAS, Royal Rangers is a ministry that reaches across the United States and over 65 nations around the world, motivating young boys' spirituality through Bible study and memorization, devotionals, outdoor and camping activities and Christian role models; and

WHEREAS, the mission of the Royal Rangers is to reach, teach, and keep the boys for Christianity, by fulfilling its ministerial purpose to evangelize in order to promote spiritual, physical, mental and social growth in boys; and

WHEREAS, Michael has ascended to great heights throughout his years of Royal Rangers' involvement, obtaining many stripes, pins and ratings while serving in the various categories of tenure in the Royal Rangers, which are Rainbow, Straight Arrow, Buckaroo, Pioneer and Trailblazer; and

WHEREAS, since 2001, Michael has been named Outpost Trailblazer Ranger of the Year for three consecutive years, Sectional Trailblazer Ranger of the Year for 2002 and 2003, in addition to being named District and Regional Trailblazer Ranger of the Year for 2003; and

WHEREAS, Michael has occupied positions of leadership and has attended and completed additional leadership training, including: serving the Royal Rangers as patrol guide and assistant patrol guide throughout 2001; graduating from Junior Leadership Training Camp in 2002; and graduating from Advanced Junior Leadership Training Camp in 2003; and

WHEREAS, possessing an astounding collection of some 35 merits and awards, 16 of which are required, Michael yet remains vivacious in his academic and extracurricular activities, having received the 2002 Fine Arts Mime and Drama Award with an invitation to a national competition, 2002 honor roll, first places in the high school chess tournament, Quitman Country Club golf tournament and Faith Assembly of God Church's archery tournament, team first place in Dixie Youth Baseball in Quitman for 2002, completion of the Basic Storm Spotters Training Course and the 2003 Social Studies award; and

WHEREAS, having completed the necessary requirements for the honor of Gold Medal Achievement in November 2003, Michael, in addition to actually receiving the Gold Medal Achievement Award, will also become a member of the Gold Medal Achievement Association. Michael will be commissioned as a Junior Commander with the honor of receiving Junior Commander bars and will be awarded the Gold Buffalo Award; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by the youth 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 Michael D. Kennedy on fulfilling the necessary requirements of the Royal Rangers to obtain the Gold Medal Achievement and express our heartiest wishes for success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Michael D. Kennedy and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.