House Concurrent Resolution 103

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING KIMBERLY SANCHEZ OF BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI, ON BEING NAMED A DISTINGUISHED FINALIST IN THE 2015 PRUDENTIAL SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARDS.

WHEREAS, Kimberly Sanchez of Biloxi, Mississippi, is a student at Biloxi High School and merited national recognition for her exemplary volunteer service when she was named a 2015 Distinguished Finalist in the 20th annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards; and

WHEREAS, this prestigious award, presented by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, honors young volunteers across America like Kimberly who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to serving their communities; 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, and the local honorees were reviewed and State Honorees and Distinguished Finalists were selected based on criteria such as personal initiative, creativity, effort, impact and personal growth; and

WHEREAS, since 2013, the patients at the local nursing homes and a local hospice have referred to Kimberly as the "musical therapist," as their ears have been blessed by the melodic harmonies she artfully produces with her skilled and precise fingers and her violin, and in addition to the beautiful music she orchestrates, after each of her performances is complete, she engages the patients in delightful conversations and merry laughter, reminding them not of their woes, but of joy, health, and happiness; and

WHEREAS, as dreams of beginning her medical career become reality, Kimberly will apply her experiences and the many lessons she learned as a "musical therapist" to her future career as a physician, and the countless relationships she fostered and cherished while volunteering at the local nursing home and hospice remain some of her fondest friendships, and those memories will always hold a special place in her heart; and

WHEREAS, consumed with a remarkable spirit of volunteerism, Kimberly Sanchez serves as a role model for her fellow peers, as her extraordinary example of selfless service to others encourages and inspires all those around her to volunteer, and those outstanding efforts have showered benevolence onto her community and brought pride and honor to the City of Biloxi, Biloxi High School and the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to give special recognition to exceptional young Mississippians such as Kimberly Sanchez, a young adult of incredible leadership ability and compassion who represents the very best of America's youth and the future of this great Magnolia State:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Kimberly Sanchez of Biloxi, Mississippi, on being named a Distinguished Finalist in the 2015 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards and extend best wishes for continued success in all of her academic, professional and personal endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Kimberly Sanchez and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.