Senate Concurrent Resolution 611

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND SALUTING LAPETRA WILSON, A JUNIOR AT NATCHEZ HIGH SCHOOL, FOR WINNING THE TITLES OF "MISSISSIPPI JR. TEEN COVER GIRL 2009-2010" AND "NATIONAL AMERICAN MISS COVER GIRL 2009-2010."

WHEREAS, LaPetra Wilson, 16, a Junior at Natchez High School, represented the State of Mississippi in the National American Miss Cover Girl Pageant and took home two crowns, "Miss Mississippi Jr. Teen Cover Girl 2009-2010" and "National American Miss Cover Girl 2009-2010," and she will represent her state in both crowns to the best of her ability; and

WHEREAS, LaPetra Wilson, the daughter of Bernadette Wilson, was named 2009-2010 National American Cover Girl after participating in a week's worth of activities, interviews and competitions from November 23 to December 1, 2009. "I was very excited to win," Wilson said. "It was a good experience for me to be the first person from Natchez to attend"; and

WHEREAS, Wilson was crowned Miss Mississippi Cover Girl in August 2009 and said the national competition required more from its contestants. Academics, interview skills, poise, beauty and ticket sales are components involved in competing for the Cover Girl Title; and

WHEREAS, when she won the National Cover Girl crown, banner and trophy, LaPetra won the Achievement Award trophy, the Spirit Award trophy and five diamond pendants (photogenic, modeling, talent, actress and spokesmodel) which signified each optional contest she entered. In addition, she also won most ticket sales award and trophy; and

WHEREAS, LaPetra was among 7 out of 110 contestants selected as "I Am Spotlight" and featured in the program booklet; and

WHEREAS, LaPetra is a fourth year cheerleader, a member of the Greater St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, Sunday School Secretary, President of the Youth Department and a choir member. LaPetra says she thanks God and all her supporters for helping her engage in such a rewarding and incredible experience that she will cherish forever; and

WHEREAS, the message LaPetra Wilson said she hopes to spread to young women of Mississippi and Louisiana is one based on confidence: "Just be yourself and follow your dreams because you can be anything you want to be;" and it is with great pride that we recognize this special achievement by a young Mississippian who has brought honor to her school, community and state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we salute LaPetra Wilson, a Junior at Natchez High School, for winning the titles of "Miss Mississippi Jr. Teen Cover Girl 2009-2010" and "National American Miss Cover Girl 2009-2010" and extend our best wishes on this auspicious award.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to LaPetra Wilson and her family, forwarded to Cleveland Moore, Principal of Natchez High School and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.