House Concurrent Resolution 114

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING OXFORD HIGH SCHOOL FOR ITS ACADEMIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND THE SUCCESS OF HAVING NINE 2011 NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS.

WHEREAS, Oxford High School in Oxford, Mississippi, set a school record with an impressive nine National Merit Finalists named in 2011; and

WHEREAS, the nine National Merit Finalists are: Mary Bryan Barksdale, 18, daughter of Claiborn and Marian Barksdale; Norma Barksdale, 18, daughter of Claiborn and Marian Barksdale; Charlotte Brewer, 17, daughter of Stephen and Ashley Brewer; Kevin Clancy, 18, son of Thomas and Sally Clancy; Erin Dyer, 17, daughter of Don and Helen Dyer; Harriett Fisher, 18, daughter of Benjamin and Julie Fisher; Daniel Mossing, 17, son of Michael and Susan Mossing; Lucas O'Neill, 18, son of Robert and Daphne Renee O'Neill; and Angella Pan, 17, daughter of Zhiqiang Pan and Qin Feng; and

WHEREAS, Oxford High School also produced a National Achievement Scholarship Finalist, Abdul Hamid, 18, son of Mohamed Hamid and Nagat Eldin; and

WHEREAS, though now attending other schools, two former Oxford High School students also were selected as National Merit Finalists: John Du, 18, son of Yong Ping Yuan, now attending Coronado High School in Henderson, Nevada, and Samantha Nanayakkara, 17, daughter of Dhommika and Kumudini Nanayakkara, now attending the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science in Columbus, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Oxford High School also boasts of being one of only 19 Mississippi high schools named as a 2010 STAR High School by the Mississippi Department of Education, indicating that the school is performing above the national average, and the school is one of only two Mississippi high schools named as one of America's Best High Schools by Newsweek magazine for 2010; and

WHEREAS, this success is not by accident, but must be attributed to teachers, students and the community for their continued commitment and determination in supporting this special school; and

WHEREAS, through strong parental and community involvement, teacher and staff dedication, and student diligence, Oxford High School not only prepares students to compete in the job market locally, but also prepares students to move toward an education that will allow them to compete globally; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize the excellent academic progress made by schools, such as Oxford High School, which have brought honor to their community and to the State of Mississippi:

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 Oxford High School for its academic accomplishments and the success of having nine 2011 National Merit Finalists, and we extend best wishes to school administrators, teachers and students on this auspicious occasion.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Principal of Oxford High School, each National Merit Finalist, the National Achievement Scholarship Finalist and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.