Senate Concurrent Resolution 674

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING ELIZABETH PHILLIPS, NEW HOPE HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR OF COLUMBUS, MISSISSIPPI, UPON HER RECEIPT OF THE 2015 PRUDENTIAL SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARD AS A DISTINGUISHED FINALIST.

WHEREAS, Elizabeth Phillips, 17, a Senior at New Hope High School in Columbus, 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, Elizabeth Phillips has volunteered for two years in a row at the "Joy Prom," a special dance event sponsored by her church for teens with disabilities who would not normally attend their school-sponsored proms. Elizabeth helped plan the prom, decorated for it, prepared food for the celebration, and attended the Joy Prom where she was an escort for the attendees, ensuring they danced and had a great time; 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 New Hope High School Senior Elizabeth Phillips of Columbus, Mississippi, upon her receipt of the 2015 Prudential Spirit of Community Award as District Distinguished Finalist, and recognize her outstanding record of volunteer service, peer leadership and community spirit, and extend to Elizabeth and her family the best wishes for success in her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Elizabeth and her family, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.