Senate Concurrent Resolution 562

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING ELIZABETH FIKE OF RAYMOND, MISSISSIPPI, UPON BEING NAMED A DISTINGUISHED FINALIST IN THE 2005 PRUDENTIAL SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARD PROGRAM FOR MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, Elizabeth Fike of Raymond, Mississippi, a member of the Hinds County 4-H Program of the Mississippi State University Extension Service and an eighth-grader at St. Andrews Episcopal School in Ridgeland, Mississippi, is a Distinguished Finalist in the 10th Annual Mississippi Prudential Spirit of Community Award; and

WHEREAS, Elizabeth volunteered to conduct readiness tests for kindergarten and first grade students at a local elementary school; she was the only young person in a group of 16 volunteers who tested more than 150 students on their basic academic skills; and

WHEREAS, Elizabeth, who was nominated by the Hinds County 4-H organization was one of 20,000 students who entered the contest for the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards; and

WHEREAS, the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, created by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), constitute America's largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteerism. The awards are designed to emphasize the importance our nation places on service to others and to encourage young Americans of all backgrounds to contribute to their communities; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this accomplishment of a student whose community spirit and service is a model for all young Mississippians:

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 Elizabeth Fike of Raymond, Mississippi, upon being named a Distinguished Finalist in the 2005 Prudential Spirit of Community Award for Mississippi, and extend to her the best wishes of the Legislature for success in her future competition and in her academic career.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Elizabeth and her parents and be made available to the Headmaster of St. Andrews Episcopal School and to members of the Capitol Press Corps.