MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2015 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Longwitz, Burton, Butler (38th), Frazier, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Montgomery, Norwood, Simmons (12th)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING NEWLY CROWNED MISS WHEELCHAIR MISSISSIPPI LAUREN COMPERE OF MADISON, MISSISSIPPI.
WHEREAS, Miss Wheelchair America provides an opportunity for high-achieving women who happen to be wheelchair users to educate and advocate for more than 54 million Americans living with disabilities. Judges consider achievement levels, communication skills and presentation as they evaluate candidates who could be articulate spokeswomen for the disabled; and
WHEREAS, newly crowned Miss Wheelchair Mississippi, Lauren Compere, of Madison, will compete for the Title of Miss Wheelchair America this summer in Des Moines, Iowa. Lauren Compere is competing for a national beauty title and like every beauty queen, she's done a lot to get there. Compere, a student at Mississippi College, ended up in the Miss Wheelchair Mississippi Pageant almost on a whim. Compere had the perfect platform. She had just been discussing the possibility of a ministry for people with disabilities with her Pastor at Pinelake; and
WHEREAS, it marks a big milestone in an already remarkable life. Compere has never actually known what condition it is that has rendered her quadriplegic. As a young child, doctors diagnosed her as having cerebral palsy; and
WHEREAS, part of what gave her the attitude to continue was being raised never to see herself as truly disabled. "My parents raised me that they didn't treat me like I had a disability. I credit the Lord in them for raising me in a way that never said, 'I can't," she said. That faith has carried Compere through her life. "If you have dreams, don't put them off," she said. "The sky is the limit"; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we pay tribute to a Mississippi advocate who is an example to others of how to live your convictions with courage and has brought honor to her family, her community and to her state:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize and commend newly crowned Miss Wheelchair Mississippi Lauren Compere of Madison, and extend the best wishes of the Mississippi Legislature as she competes for the Title of Miss Wheelchair America this summer in Des Moines, Iowa.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Lauren Compere and her family and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.