Senate Concurrent Resolution 606

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING AESHA COLEMAN FROM BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI, AS BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF AMERICA "MISSISSIPPI YOUTH OF THE YEAR" FOR 2012-2013.

WHEREAS, Aesha Coleman, a freshman at the University of Southern Mississippi, has been named the Mississippi "Youth of the Year" by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for her character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community; and

WHEREAS, she was selected among 17 outstanding youth. As the new teen representative for all Boys & Girls Clubs in Mississippi, she will receive a $1,000 college scholarship from Tupperware Brands Corporation; and

WHEREAS, Aesha graduated in 2012 from Biloxi High School, where she excelled academically and played the cello for the Biloxi High School Orchestra. Coleman attended the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast's East Biloxi Unit for five years, and served as President of the Keystone Club, a teen group dedicated to leadership and community service; and

WHEREAS, Aesha Coleman was instrumental in the club's winning the "Volunteer Youth Group of the Year" for the City of Biloxi in 2011. Coleman completed hundreds of community service hours and mentored other youth at the club; and

WHEREAS, being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Clubs member can receive, recognizing outstanding contributions to a member's family, school, community and Boys & Girls Clubs, as well as overcoming personal challenges and obstacles; and

WHEREAS, she will compete against other Boys & Girls Clubs members within the Southeast Region. If named regional winner, Aesha will be awarded an additional $10,000 college scholarship from Tupperware Brands, Corporation, the recognition program's national sponsor. Five regional winners will advance to Washington, D.C., in September, to compete for the Title of Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Youth of the Year; and

WHEREAS, the National Youth of the Year will receive an additional scholarship of up to $50,000 from The Rick and Susan Goings Foundation and will have the opportunity to meet with the President of the United States in the White House; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this dedicated Mississippi leader of the future who has brought honor to her university, her community, her family 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 and congratulate Aesha Coleman from Biloxi, Mississippi as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America "Mississippi Youth of the Year" for 2012-2013, and extend our best wishes to Aesha and her family on this prestigious award.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Aesha Coleman, forwarded to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.