House Resolution 98

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MISS KATIE BETH SIMMONS, UPON RECEIVING THE DISTINCT HONOR AND PRIVILEGE OF BEING CROWNED WITH THE PRESTIGIOUS TITLE OF MISS SCOTT COUNTY OUTSTANDING TEEN 2014.

WHEREAS, Katie Beth Simmons, a resident of Lake, Mississippi, and rising 2017 graduate of East Rankin Academy, is proud to adorn the crown which bestows great acclaim and recognition to her home in Scott County, Mississippi, and the entire State of Mississippi upon being named Miss Scott County Outstanding Teen 2014; and

WHEREAS, as Miss Scott County Outstanding Teen 2014, Katie Beth will distinguishingly represent her home county in regal pageantry in her endeavor to impress the panel of judges in her bid to win the state title crown as Miss Mississippi Outstanding Teen 2014 with such style, grace and poise; and

WHEREAS, it was this very presence and demureness exhibited by Katie Beth during the local pageant competition that enabled her to capture the coveted title of Miss Scott County Outstanding Teen 2014; and

WHEREAS, an aspiring public relations specialist, this East Rankin Academy Freshman is quite the academician, as an All "A" Honor Roll, member of History Quiz Bowl Team selected to compete in Washington, D.C., designee for Academic Betterment Competition in Bible, member of the Championship Old Capitol Bowl Government Quiz Bowl Team, second place award winner in Academic Betterment Competition for History, third place award recipient in East Rankin National English League Competition and second place award winner in East Rankin National Math League Competition; and

WHEREAS, in addition to her academic success, Katie Beth maintains active extracurricular activities, including leadership roles as varsity pitcher for the Lady Patriot Softball Team, assistant teacher for First Baptist Church of Lake Children's Bible Drills, fast-pitch softball team pitching instructor for 10-12 year old Lake Youth Softball; and

WHEREAS, Katie Beth's growing list of accomplishments

include: selection as one of 80 Mississippi 8th grade students selected for 2013 Lott Leadership Institute for Rising 9th Graders; Legislative Page for Mississippi House of Representatives during the 2013 Regular Session; lobbied Governor Bryant, House Speaker Gunn and Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves on behalf of legislation addressing seatbelt safety on House Bill No. 469, 2014 Regular Session; featured on national media for "Arrive Alive" Campaign; achieved superior rating at Mississippi State Children's Bible Drills (2009-2011); achieved superior rating at Mississippi State Youth Bible Drills (2012-2014); and named a Top 10 Finalist Mississippi State Youth Bible Drills Scholarship Tournament (2013); and

WHEREAS, having adopted the seatbelt safety campaign "Arrive Alive" for her title-seeking platform, Miss Simmons believes that by educating the community about her chosen platform through continued visitations at elementary, middle, or even high schools and speak of the simple yet very important topic of seatbelt safety, she would be better able to represent what the program strives to create, which are opportunities to develop public speaking skills, as well as continuing the tradition of the four points of the Miss America Organization: service, style, scholarship and success; and

WHEREAS, as Miss Scott County Outstanding Teen 2014, Katie Beth will continue her campaign of advocacy for the importance of seatbelt safety in personal vehicles and on school buses to promote the protection of the future, and her remembrance as a life saver; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to share in the enthusiasm of citizens of this state, such as Miss Simmons, as they represent Mississippi on the local, state, regional and national levels with such a great title, as she serves as Miss Scott County Outstanding Teen 2014:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Miss Scott County Outstanding Teen 2014, Katie Beth Simmons, upon receiving the distinct honor and privilege of being crowned with the prestigious title of Miss Scott County Outstanding Teen 2014, and extend best wishes for continued success in all of her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Miss Katie Beth Simmons and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.