Senate Resolution 35

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE CITY OF PETAL, MISSISSIPPI, FOR BEING NAMED THE STATE'S FIRST "EXCEL BY FIVE" COMMUNITY.

WHEREAS, the City of Petal, Mississippi, is the first community in the state to be named an "Excel by Five" community; and

WHEREAS, Mississippi's First Lady Marsha Barbour joined with early childhood development experts and Chevron representatives to launch "Excel by Five"; and

WHEREAS, "Excel by Five" is a community-based educational program designed to improve a child's overall well-being by age five by setting forth a variety of standards involving parent training, community participation, child care and health by focusing on supporting prekindergarten children and their families; and

WHEREAS, Chevron funded this program with a $650,000.00 grant that will enable the program to be piloted in Cleveland, West Point, Petal and Pascagoula; and

WHEREAS, the Phil Hardin Foundation of Meridian has donated $35,000.00; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Barbour acknowledges that the success of "Excel by Five" will ultimately be determined by community support and participation; and

WHEREAS, the citizens of Petal are excited and honored to be the first city chosen by the "Excel by Five" program; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize and honor this city that is focused on improving the lives of its children:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the City of Petal, Mississippi, for being named the state's first "Excel By Five" community.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be presented to the Mayor of Petal, Mississippi, and made available to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.