House Resolution 23

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING ANTHONY MCGAHA UPON BEING NAMED MISSISSIPPI'S 2006 YOUTH OF THE YEAR BY THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS OF AMERICA.

WHEREAS, Anthony McGaha, a nine-year member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeast Mississippi, was chosen as Mississippi's 2006 Youth of the Year to represent the state in the Southeast Region competition in June; and

WHEREAS, instrumental at his club, Anthony began participating in the programs and activities of the Corinth unit at the age of nine, and when he became a teen, he worked as a junior leader and on the support staff of the club, in which many of his duties included cleaning and beautifying the facilities and mentoring younger club members in sports; and

WHEREAS, now in his senior year at Corinth High School, Anthony is the model student, maintaining a 3.4 GPA and taking active roles in the school's varsity football team, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Mu Alpha Theta Club and the art club, wherein he has earned numerous awards and recognitions; and

WHEREAS, through the Lighthouse Foundation, a ministry that seeks to positively develop urban youth in the community, Anthony has participated in many of its community activities, including: community clean-ups, assisting disabled persons in household chores and sports leadership camps for youth; and

WHEREAS, managing to balance all of his service activities and assisting his mother with two younger siblings, while working as a K-Mart employee, Anthony aspires to attend Northeast Mississippi Community College, followed by studies at a university in pursuit of a degree in sports medicine, which will ultimately allow him to work with aiding disadvantaged youth; and

WHEREAS, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America's "Youth of the Year" recognition program promotes and celebrates club members' service to the club, community and family, academic performance, spiritual values, life goals, poise and public speaking ability; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we acknowledge the accomplishments of such outstanding youth as Anthony, whose giving back to the community through his leadership, guidance and discipline, evidences the greatness that lies in store for the future of this state through its youth:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Anthony McGaha upon his selection as Mississippi's 2006 Youth of the Year and extend our best wishes for success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Anthony McGaha, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeast Mississippi and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.