Senate Concurrent Resolution 650

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING THE 11 EAGLE SCOUTS FROM THE 2011-2012 SENIOR CLASS AT JACKSON PREPARATORY SCHOOL AND COMMENDING THE IMPORTANT SCOUTING TRADITION AT THIS EXCELLENT INSTITUTION.

WHEREAS, eleven members of the 2011-2012 Senior Class at Jackson Preparatory School have attained the coveted rank of Eagle Scout; and

WHEREAS, to receive the Eagle Medal, a Scout must earn 22 merit badges. Mandatory badges include three for citizenship and one each for camping, communications, lifesaving, environmental science, first aid, personal fitness/sports, personal management, safety and family life; and

WHEREAS, being an Eagle Scout teaches you life skills: 64% of Air Force Academy graduates were Scouts; 63% of West Point graduates were Scouts; 77% of Annapolis graduates were Scouts; 72% of all Rhodes Scholars were Scouts; 85% of all FBI agents were Scouts; and 57% of the first 65 astronauts were Scouts; and

WHEREAS, for every 100 boys who join a Boy Scout troop: 12 will have their first contact with a church; one will enter the clergy; 8 will enter a career that was learned through the merit badge system; one will use his Boy Scout skills to save a life; one will use his Boy Scout skills to save his own life; 17 will become scouting volunteers; and two will become Eagle Scouts; and

WHEREAS, Jackson Preparatory School Senior Eagle Scouts are: Thomas Dunbar, Cole McPherson, Thompson Moore, Nelson Parker, Samuel Parrish, Austin Pinkerton, John-David Polk, Pratt Rogers, Ross Taylor, Jay Vise and Zac Zachow; and

WHEREAS, the Boy Scouts of America has been at the forefront of instilling timeless values in youth since its founding in 1910. For over 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America has inspired millions of American youth by creating a strong foundation of leadership, service and community; and

WHEREAS, Jackson Prep has many Eagle Scouts because this school is very rich in scouting traditions. At Jackson Prep, it's an "in" thing to be a Scout; and it is with great pride that we recognize these young Mississippians, whose dedication to the traditions of scouting, self-discipline, determination and leadership demonstrate a dedication to citizenship and patriotism:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby congratulate the 11 Eagle Scouts from the 2011-2012 Senior Class at Jackson Preparatory School, commend the important scouting tradition at this excellent institution and wish these young men continued success in their future scouting, academic and civic service endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the 11 Jackson Prep Eagle Scouts and their families, to the appropriate Troop Scoutmasters, and to the Headmaster of Jackson Preparatory School, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.