Senate Resolution 7

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING RYAN JOSEPH M. WILLIAMS UPON ATTAINING THE COVETED RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT.

WHEREAS, Ryan Joseph M. Williams, a member of Boy Scout Troop 271 of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, has attained the coveted rank of Eagle Scout and will receive the award at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor Ceremony at the Christus Victor Lutheran Church in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, in February 2005; and

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

WHEREAS, Ryan began his journey as a Tiger Cub in Cub Scouts, progressed through the ranks, joined Troop 271 in the Pine Burr Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, in Ocean Springs, completed all of the rank and advancement requirements, and completed his Eagle Scout project; 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; eight 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 two 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 Ryan Joseph M. Williams of Ocean Springs, 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 Ryan and his family, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.