House Concurrent Resolution 46

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING JUMEL C. TERRY OF ITTA BENA, MISSISSIPPI, UPON BEING NAMED RECIPIENT OF THE REGIS F. GROFF YOUTH AWARD BY THE NATIONAL BLACK CAUCUS OF STATE LEGISLATORS DURING ITS ANNUAL CONFERENCE.

WHEREAS, Jumel C. Terry of Itta Bena, Mississippi, was recently presented the Regis F. Groff Youth Award during the 30th annual meeting of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) held in Jackson, Mississippi, at the Marriot Hotel on December 2, 2006; and

WHEREAS, named in honor of a former member of the Colorado State Senate, Regis F. Groff, who also served as NBCSL's fourth president, and upon the conclusion of his state service in legislative capacity pursued a career of working with troubled youth, the award honors a young person who has demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of our country's youth; and

WHEREAS, Jumel, the son of Patricia Terry, is a senior at Leflore County High School, who developed a new attitude after several suspensions and disciplinary problems in his 9th and 10th grade years and renewed the outlook on his educational pursuits and potential to be a positive influence on his siblings and peers; and

WHEREAS, making the Principal's List the first nine weeks of his 11th grade year, Jumel was reinvigorated to strive for excellence, in addition to assuming the additional responsibility of assisting his mother to support his siblings by taking a night job; and

WHEREAS, after suffering a slight decline in academic performance, Jumel ended his employment and focused his concentration on academics, made a complete recovery and has entertained aspirations to join the United States Air Force; and

WHEREAS, being highly recommended for the Regis F. Groff Award by his administrator, Roy Curry; guidance counselor, Mrs. Quintella Sullivan; principal, Charles Ollie; and Representative Willie Perkins, Jumel was presented a trophy and a scholarship of $500.00 by Mr. Groff himself, who presented the award named in his honor for the first time since its inception in 1998; and

WHEREAS, moved by the reading of Jumel's biographical sketch, several supporters of NBCSL, who were in the audience, further enhanced Jumel's opportunity for college matriculation by donations totaling approximately $10,000.00; and

WHEREAS, underscoring the origins of NBCSL's founding by recognizing an individual who has put words into action and sacrifice into achievement, the presentation of the Regis F. Groff Youth Award and subsequent philanthropic donations of NBCSL supporters highlighted the quintessential purpose of the organization represented by 640 African-American legislators from 44 states, the United States Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend excellence in the youth of this state, like Jumel, who has turned struggle and odds into triumph and endless possibilities, by realizing the importance and value of self worth:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Jumel C. Terry upon receiving the Regis F. Groff Youth Award by the National Black Caucus of State Legislators during its annual conference in Jackson, Mississippi, on December 2, 2006, and further express heartfelt wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Jumel C. Terry, Leflore County High School and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.