House Resolution 49

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING ANDREA HIGHTOWER FOR BEING CROWNED 2015 MISS MISSISSIPPI TEEN USA.

WHEREAS, on November 1, 2014, the lovely Andrea Hightower from Oxford, Mississippi, was crowned with the prestigious title of 2015 Miss Mississippi Teen USA in Tunica, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Andrea, a student of the University of Mississippi Online High School Program, is the daughter of Minnie Hightower of Oxford and Greg Hightower of Tupelo, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, to Andrea, being crowned Miss Mississippi Teen USA means that through perseverance and hard work, dreams really do come true, and she hopes that she can pass on that message to other girls who dream of one day becoming the next Miss Mississippi Teen USA; and

WHEREAS, building upon her recent success, Andrea will be competing for the coveted title of Miss Teen USA on August 22, 2015, in the Bahamas with the hope of bringing back the distinguished award to Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, while representing the Hospitality State, known throughout the nation for its welcoming attitude, Andrea's platform is about breaking the silence of mental health issues and helping the families who deal with them, an issue about which she is immensely passionate because her family has experienced firsthand the hardships faced when loved ones suffering from mental health disorders do not get the treatment they need; and

WHEREAS, Andrea especially wants to help kids who deal with family members suffering from mental health issues and show them that it is okay to break the silence in order to make sure that their family members get the help they need; and

WHEREAS, having a family history of military service, Andrea is also using this year to bring support to the Wounded Warrior Project, ensuring that no veteran is ever forgotten and is provided with any aid and assistance needed to ensure that today's soldiers are the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation's history; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend the achievements of outstanding Mississippians who show the world what it truly means to be from the Hospitality State:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Andrea Hightower for being crowned 2015 Miss Mississippi Teen USA, and extend best wishes for continued success in Miss Teen USA and all of her future endeavors.

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