House Resolution 99

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING MR. MAURICE F. LUCAS, SR., GRAND MASTER OF M.W. STRINGER GRAND LODGE, PRINCE HALL AFFILIATION, UPON HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND BEING SELECTED AS GUEST SPEAKER FOR THE HIRAM LODGE NO. 17 FIRST ANNUAL FOUNDER'S DAY AND HOMECOMING CELEBRATION.

WHEREAS, Maurice F. Lucas, Sr., is proud of his achievements and his philosophy, "Someone must take the time to do it. Why not me?" and he will share this philosophy as guest speaker for the Hiram Lodge No. 17 First Annual Founder's Day and Homecoming Celebration on Sunday, March 28, 2006; and

WHEREAS, his life's story is filled with success after success as indicated by his service to the community as a member of the United Way, mayor and school board member; and

WHEREAS, born in Mound Bayou, Mississippi, on October 4, 1944, as the third of eight children born to hard-working parents, Julius and Gladys Lucas, he was instilled with the ethic of hard work and the commitment to core values in life; and

WHEREAS, a natural leader who has enhanced his ability with experience and education, Mr. Lucas earned his primary education in Renova, Mississippi, and his secondary training at East Side High School in Cleveland, before matriculating further to earn an associate of arts degree from Coahoma Junior College and a bachelor of business administration degree from Delta State University; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Lucas held a full-time job while pursuing his higher education degrees, and retired after 25 years as cost analysis and accounting supervisor of Baxter Laboratories, all the while acting as an entrepreneur bookkeeper and accountant; and

WHEREAS, he holds an impressive record of public service, including: Mayor of Renova, Mississippi, Cleveland School District Board of Trustees, Bolivar County Hospital Medical Foundation Trustee, Bolivar County United Way, Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce, Mississippi Manufacturing Association, Mississippi Public Service Commission, National Conference of Black Mayors and many more; and

WHEREAS, his wife, Carolyn, and their son, Maurice Jr., through their continued and unwavering love and support, have offered additional incentives for him to identify and use his unique gifts; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend such outstanding Mississippians as Mr. Lucas, whose life work is marked by a spirit of giving:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the accomplishments of Mr. Maurice F. Lucas, Sr., congratulate him upon being selected as guest speaker for the Hiram Lodge No. 17 First Annual Founder's Day and Homecoming Celebration and express warmest wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Lucas and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.