MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2015 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Burton, Butler (38th), Carmichael, Clarke, Frazier, Hopson, Horhn, Jackson (11th), Jolly, Jackson (32nd), Montgomery, Norwood, Simmons (12th), Simmons (13th), Stone, Watson, Wilemon
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING JASMINE MURRAY OF COLUMBUS, MISSISSIPPI, UPON BEING CROWNED MISS MISSISSIPPI 2014 AND FOR BEING THE FIRST TOP 10 FINALIST IN THE MISS AMERICA PAGEANT FROM MISSISSIPPI SINCE 2006.
WHEREAS, Jasmine Murray, 22, of Columbus, Mississippi, was crowned Miss Mississippi 2014 on Saturday, July 12, 2014, at the Vicksburg Convention Center, capturing the No. 1 spot sought after by a competitive field of young ladies who competed for the coveted title to represent Mississippi in the Miss America Pageant. The 22-year-old Columbus native competed as Miss Riverland and won a $10,000 scholarship. Murray had competed in the pageant three consecutive years and was First Runner-Up in 2012; and
WHEREAS, as Miss Mississippi, Jasmine represented the State of Mississippi at the 94th Miss America Pageant at historic Atlantic City, New Jersey, on September 14, 2014, where the American tradition began in 1921. Murray was the first Top 10 Finalist in the Miss America Pageant from Mississippi since 2006, when Taryn Foshee was third-runner up. According to those who attended the pageant, it was a shock that the judges didn't seem to see what so much of the rest of America saw. While Miss Mississippi Jasmine Murray was not in the top five at the Miss America Pageant, her loyal following definitely decided she's their Miss America anyway. Murray was a Quality of Life Award Finalist for her platform, "13 Going On 30," which encourages young girls to embrace their age and not grow up so fast; and
WHEREAS, Miss Mississippi Jasmine Murray's platform isn't just something to promote as a beauty queen and pageant winner. Rather, it's something she wants to promote nationwide and hopefully work with as a career. The 22-year-old Mississippi State University student from Columbus said she would like to see her platform "13 Going On 30: Teaching Young Girls to Embrace Their Age" adopted by the Boys and Girls Club of America and used on a national level; and
WHEREAS, named after the movie "13 Going On 30," Murray's platform aims to encourage teens to find mentors and role models who can help them make decisions that will keep them out of trouble. Murray said she was inspired by friends who became teenage mothers and had to put their dreams on hold. Through her motivational camps and speaking engagements, Jasmine has reached out to hundreds of young women on the subjects of peer pressure, bullying and making good choices; and
WHEREAS, in addition to churches and civic organizations, Murray has promoted her platform at Boys and Girls Club camps and she would like to see the message passed along all over the state and, ultimately, the nation; and
WHEREAS, a broadcast communications major, Murray said she knows she wants to continue to chase that dream long after Miss Mississippi and Miss America have passed; and
WHEREAS, Jasmine is best known for her run in season eight of "American Idol." As a 16-year-old junior at the Mississippi School of Arts in Brookhaven, she advanced to the top 13 of the singing competition. During that time, many across the state and South rallied behind her. She was in a similar position in the Miss America Pageant and handled it with grace and humility; and
WHEREAS, Jasmine began to sing at age 3. "Ultimately my inspiration and strength have come from my faith," she said. "Music is another source of deep inspiration. It is a way of communicating that everyone understands. Music is a language of itself, that transcends everything"; and
WHEREAS, Jasmine's family includes her mother, Lisa, three sisters and one brother. All of her sisters attended Mississippi State University and her brother went to their rival, Ole Miss; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this young Mississippi citizen who has brought honor and pride to her family, community, and the entire 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 Jasmine Murray upon being crowned Miss Mississippi 2014 and for being the first Top 10 Finalist in the Miss America Pageant from Mississippi since 2006 and extend sincerest wishes for continued success.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Jasmine Murray and made available to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.