MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2011 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) King, Butler (38th), Dearing, Fillingane, Hyde-Smith, Jackson (32nd), Watson

Senate Concurrent Resolution 643

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING PRESBYTERIAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL SENIOR VICTORIA KING AS A DISTINGUISHED FINALIST IN THE 2011 PRUDENTIAL SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARD AS TOP YOUTH VOLUNTEER IN MISSISSIPPI.

     WHEREAS, Victoria King, a senior at Presbyterian Christian School in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, has been named a Distinguished Finalist in the 2011 Prudential Spirit of Community Award; and

     WHEREAS, this prestigious award, now in its 16th year, presented by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, honors young volunteers across America who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to serving their communities; and

     WHEREAS, Victoria King, 17, of Purvis, Mississippi, is an active community volunteer, having participated in many benefits including the Relay for Life, Pretty in Pink Breast Cancer Walk, Walk for Diabetes and Operation Shoe Box.  She also volunteers for organizations such as the Salvation Army, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Association for Retarded Citizens; and

     WHEREAS, all public and private middle-level and high schools in the country, as well as all Girl Scout councils, county 4-H organizations, American Red Cross chapters, YMCAs, Camp Fire USA councils and volunteer centers, were eligible to select a student or member for a local Prudential Spirit of Community Award this past November.  Local honorees were then reviewed by state-level judges, who selected State Honorees and Distinguished Finalists based on criteria such as personal initiative, creativity, effort, impact and personal growth; and

     WHEREAS, ten of the State Honorees - five middle-level and five high school students - will be named America's top ten youth volunteers of the year by a prestigious national selection committee.  These National Honorees will receive an additional $5,000.00, a gold medallion and a crystal trophy.  In addition, the ten National Honorees will have a total of $250,000.00 in children's products donated in their names to needy children in their communities by Kids in Distressed Situations, Inc., the national charity of the children's apparel and products industry; and

     WHEREAS, the success of the State of Mississippi, the strength of our communities and the overall vitality of American society depend, in great measure, upon the dedication of young people like King, who use their considerable talents and resources to serve others:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Presbyterian Christian School senior Victoria King of Purvis, Mississippi, upon her receipt of the Distinguished Finalist, 2011 Prudential Spirit of Community Award, and recognize her outstanding record of volunteer service, peer leadership and community spirit, and extend to Victoria and her family the best wishes for success in her future endeavors.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Victoria and her family and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.