Senate Concurrent Resolution 567

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING SHANNON HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR ALIVIA ROBERTS OF SHANNON, MISSISSIPPI, UPON HER RECEIPT OF THE 2013 PRUDENTIAL SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARD AS A DISTINGUISHED FINALIST.

WHEREAS, Alivia Roberts, 16, a junior at Shannon High School in Shannon, Mississippi, has been named a Distinguished Finalist for 2013 by receiving a Prudential Spirit of Community Award for impressive community service activities; and

WHEREAS, this prestigious award, now in its 18th 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, Alivia Roberts, a member of the Lee County 4-H, collected 250 used cell phones and donated them to the charitable organization Hope Phones, which sells recycled phones to purchase new ones for healthcare workers in developing countries. Alivia, who began her work with Hope Phones in 2011 as Miss Riverland Outstanding Teen, created a website, recruited fellow 4-H members to help, spoke out through the media, and spoke at rallies in America and abroad about the importance of the project; and

WHEREAS, "Prudential is proud to honor these students for making meaningful contributions to their communities," said Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld. "We hope that shining a spotlight on their initiative, creativity and compassion inspires others to consider how they, too, can make a difference"; 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; 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 Alivia, 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 Shannon High School junior Alivia Roberts of Shannon, Mississippi, upon her receipt of the 2013 Prudential Spirit of Community Award as District Finalist, and recognize her outstanding record of volunteer service, peer leadership and community spirit, and extend to Alivia and her family the best wishes for success in her future endeavors.

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