MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2010 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Hewes, Butler, Chassaniol, Fillingane, Hopson, Jackson (32nd), Watson
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE CIVIC CONTRIBUTIONS OF MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST COMMUNITY LEADER CAROLE LYNN MEADOWS AND CONGRATULATE HER FOR RECEIVING THE PRESTIGIOUS "BILLY CREEL" TOURISM AWARD.
WHEREAS, in order to totally appreciate her impact on the City of Gulfport and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, it should be recorded that Carole Lynn Meadows is a life-long civic leader and volunteer dedicated to enhancing not only the tourism and economic impact of the Gulf Coast, but most importantly the quality of life of our citizens. There is no greater reward in Carole Lynn's life than watching the smiles of young children, parents and senior citizens as they enjoy the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center in Gulfport or a sponsored event. For these reasons, there was no contest when Biloxi recently selected Carole Lynn Meadows as the recipient of the coveted annual "Billy Creel" Tourism Award; and
WHEREAS, Carole Lynn Meadows earned a Master's Degree in Business Education from the University of Mississippi in 1963. She has 25 years teaching experience at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, JD Campus, Gulfport, Mississippi. She was awarded Outstanding Teacher of the Year for the Jefferson Davis Campus; and
WHEREAS, Carole Lynn served as Co-Director of the Business and International Education Grant with the U.S. Department of Education from 2003-2005. The grant provided training for K-12 teachers in international business, international business education trips to Japan and Brazil for students and community college teachers, and in-house international business education training for community college teachers across the curriculum. Additionally, she worked as a stockbroker for five years with J.C. Bradford (now UBS) in Gulfport; and
WHEREAS, Carole Lynn is co-founder of the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center in Gulfport, Mississippi. It is the first children's museum in Mississippi and is ranked in the top 50 in the United States. The Discovery Center received the 1999 Mississippi Attraction of the Year Award and the 2008 "Coming Up Taller Award" from First Lady Laura Bush, and the Governor's Award for Arts in Education in 2009; and
WHEREAS, she was the first woman President of the National Alumni Association of the University of Mississippi in 1994 and is a 1999 University of Mississippi Alumni Hall of Fame inductee. Her second induction into the Ole Miss Hall of Fame was in 2008 for Outstanding Alumni Service; and
WHEREAS, Carole Lynn is currently serving as Chair of the Gulfport Re-Development Commission and is a board member of Gulfport Main Street. The past two years she served on the Executive Committee as Secretary; and
WHEREAS, she is a community activist, serving the Gulfport Chamber of Commerce as the first woman executive committee member, serving as Treasurer; President of PTAs throughout her children's school years, Chair of March of Dimes, Co-Chair of American Cancer Tennis Tournament for four years, and others. In 1974, she was elected President of the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries, having served as President of the Junior Auxiliary of Gulfport in 1969; and
WHEREAS, Carole Lynn is currently serving as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Mississippi Council on Economic Education, having served previously as Vice President for Communications; and
WHEREAS, she and her husband, Joseph R. Meadows, live in Gulfport, where both are Sunday school teachers at First Baptist Church of Gulfport. The Lucedale native has made Gulfport her home since 1965. The Lynn Meadows Discovery Center is named in memory of their daughter, Lynn. Their son, Joe, Jr., lives in Birmingham, Alabama. Their two granddaughters, Victoria and Meredith Meadows, are students at Ole Miss. Their mother, Jonelle Meadows, resides in Gulfport; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the contributions of this lady who is the epitome of a true volunteer and civic activist and who brings honor to her community and to the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the civic contributions of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community Leader Carole Lynn Meadows and congratulate her for receiving the coveted annual "Billy Creel" Tourism Award for 2009-2010 to be presented at the Beau Rivage Resort in Biloxi, Mississippi, and extend to her and her family the best wishes of the Legislature on her future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Carole Lynn Meadows and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.