MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2015 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Harkins, Kirby, Butler (38th), Chassaniol, Fillingane, Jackson (32nd), Longwitz, Norwood, Simmons (12th)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING TOLAR PURVIS, JACKSON PREPARATORY SCHOOL SENIOR OF MADISON, MISSISSIPPI, UPON HIS RECEIPT OF THE 2015 PRUDENTIAL SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARD AS A DISTINGUISHED FINALIST.
WHEREAS, Tolar Purvis, 18, a Senior at Jackson Preparatory School in Madison, Mississippi, has been named a Distinguished Finalist for 2015 by receiving a Prudential Spirit of Community Award for impressive community service activities; and
WHEREAS, this prestigious award, now in its 20th year, presented by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, honors young volunteers across America who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to serving their communities; and
WHEREAS, Tolar Purvis founded "Project Eagle's Nest," a project that has raised $30,000.00 since 2013 through direct donations and fundraising events to support the building of a new floor and a garage for the Eagle's Nest Orphanage in Guatemala. Tolar, who came to learn about the orphanage after his basketball team participated in a service trip, gathered a committee of 15 people who helped him with the project; and
WHEREAS, "Prudential is proud to honor these students for making meaningful contributions to their communities," said Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld. "We hope that shining a spotlight on their initiative, creativity and compassion inspires others to consider how they, too, can make a difference"; 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. Local honorees were then reviewed by state-level judges, who selected State Honorees and Distinguished Finalists based on criteria such as personal initiative, creativity, effort, impact and personal growth; and
WHEREAS, ten of the State Honorees, five middle-level and five high school students, will be named America's Top Ten Youth Volunteers of the Year by a prestigious national selection committee; and
WHEREAS, the success of the State of Mississippi, the strength of our communities and the overall vitality of American society depend, in great measure, upon the dedication of these young Mississippi citizens, who use their considerable talents and resources to serve others:
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 Jackson Preparatory School Senior Tolar Purvis of Madison, Mississippi, upon his receipt of the 2015 Prudential Spirit of Community Award as District Distinguished Finalist, and recognize his outstanding record of volunteer service, peer leadership and community spirit, and extend to Tolar and his family the best wishes for success in his future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Tolar and his family, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.