Senate Concurrent Resolution 556

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING BRIAN TANNER OF LUCEDALE, MISSISSIPPI, FOR BEING NAMED A DISTINGUISHED FINALIST IN THE 2004 PRUDENTIAL SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARDS.

WHEREAS, Brian Tanner, 18 years of age, of Lucedale, Mississippi, a Senior at East Central High School in Hurley, Mississippi, has been recognized as a Distinguished Finalist in the 2004 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards; and

WHEREAS, this prestigious award, presented by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, honors young volunteers across America who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to serving their communities; and

WHEREAS, Brian provided horse-riding therapy to a young girl with cerebral palsy and a brain injury. Brian trained and groomed the horse used in the therapy, and conducted 1-2 hour-riding sessions with the girl to help improve neurological function and sensory processing; and

WHEREAS, "People as caring and committed as this young student are critical to the future of our neighborhoods, our cities and our nation," said Arthur F. Ryan, Chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial. "By recognizing this honoree, we hope to encourage other young people - our future leaders - and all Americans to think more about the value and importance of volunteering in their communities;" and

WHEREAS, all public, private, middle and high schools in the country, as well as all Girl Scout councils, county 4-H organizations, American Red Cross chapters, YMCAs, Camp Fire USA councils and Volunteer Centers, were eligible to select a student or member for a local Prudential Spirit of Community Award this past November. Local honorees were then reviewed by state-level judges, who selected State Honorees and Distinguished Finalists based on criteria such as personal initiative, creativity, effort, impact and personal growth; and

WHEREAS, on May 3, 2004, ten of the 104 State Honorees - five middle and five high school students - will be named America's top ten youth volunteers of the year by a prestigious national selection committee. These national honorees will receive an additional $5,000, a gold medallion and a crystal trophy. In addition, the ten national honorees will have a total of $250,000 in children's products donated in their names to needy children in their communities by Kids in Distressed Situations, Inc., the national charity of the children's apparel and products industry; and

WHEREAS, the success of the State of Mississippi, the strength of our communities, and the overall vitality of American society depend, in great measure, upon the dedication of young people like Brian who use their considerable talents and resources to serve others:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate East Central High School Senior Brian Tanner of Lucedale, Mississippi, for being named a Distinguished Finalist in the 2004 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, and recognize his outstanding record of volunteer service, peer leadership and community spirit and extend to him and his family the best wishes for success in his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Brian and his family and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.