Senate Resolution 11

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING JUSTIN PHELPS UPON ATTAINING THE COVETED RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT.

WHEREAS, Justin Phelps, a member of Boy Scout Troop 9 of Madison, Mississippi, has attained the coveted rank of Eagle Scout and will receive the award at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor Ceremony on March 9, 2004; and

WHEREAS, to receive the Eagle Medal, a Scout must earn 22 merit badges. Mandatory badges include 3 for citizenship and one each for camping, communications, lifesaving, environmental science, first aid, personal fitness/sports, personal management, safety and family life; and

WHEREAS, Justin began his journey as a Tiger Cub in Cub Scouts at the age of 7, progressed through the ranks and earned the "Arrow of Light" Award when completing his Cub Scout days; he joined Troop 9 of Madison, Mississippi, at the age of 11, completed all of the rank and advancement requirements, earned the "World Conservation" Award, completed his Eagle Scout project, which was to build a 12' x 12' storage building for the PTA of the middle school he had previously attended. It was painted in school colors and was quite a welcome addition for the school; and

WHEREAS, being an Eagle Scout teaches you life skills: 64% of Air Force Academy graduates were Scouts; 63% of West Point graduates were Scouts; 77% of Annapolis graduates were Scouts; 72% of all Rhodes Scholars were Scouts; 85% of all FBI agents were Scouts; and 57% of the first 65 astronauts were Scouts; and

WHEREAS, for every 100 boys who join a Boy Scout troop: 12 will have their first contact with a church; one will enter the clergy; 8 will enter a career that was learned through the merit badge system; one will use his Boy Scout skills to save a life; one will use his Boy Scout skills to save his own life; 17 will become scouting volunteers; and 2 will become Eagle Scouts; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this young Mississippian, whose dedication to the traditions of scouting, self-discipline, determination and leadership demonstrate a dedication to citizenship and patriotism:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Justin Phelps of Madison, Mississippi, upon attaining the coveted rank of Eagle Scout, extend the best wishes of the Senate to his family, and wish him continued success in his future scouting, academic and civic service endeavors.

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