Senate Concurrent Resolution 635

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE TERRY HIGH SCHOOL BETA CLUB AS PART OF THE LARGEST EDUCATIONAL YOUTH LEADERSHIP ORGANIZATION IN AMERICA ON THE OCCASION OF 2016 NATIONAL BETA CLUB WEEK.

WHEREAS, National Beta Club is the largest independent nonprofit educational youth organization in America, and for more than 80 years it has prepared today's students to be tomorrow's leaders; and

WHEREAS, the members of Terry High School Beta Club are part of a national organization of more than 450,000 Fourth through Twelfth Grade students dedicated to serve in their schools and communities, seeking their motto, "Let Us Lead by Serving Others"; and

WHEREAS, the National Beta Club promotes the development of student leaders by striving for excellence in academics, service, character and leadership. Between the Junior Beta Club (Grades 4 through 8) and Senior Beta Club (Grades 9 through 12), the organization has helped nearly seven million students learn how to make a life for themselves, and since 1991, it has awarded over $5 Million in scholarships. Although there are some universal requirements, each chapter has its own criteria for selection. Junior Beta is divided into two divisions: Division I includes Grades 4 through 5 and Division II includes Grades 6 through 8. Senior Beta includes Grades 9 through 12. Regardless of division, members adhere to the Beta mission and learn to embrace and embody its four pillars; and

WHEREAS, Beta's mission originated with Dr. John W. Harris, a Professor at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, who founded the organization in 1934. Over 80 years have passed, but his vision and Beta's mission have remained the same. Most everyone who has been fortunate enough to be called a member has embraced those ideals and applied them to their own lives. From President Bill Clinton to current professional basketball player Kevin Durant, Beta members continue to lead long after their high school days are behind them; and

WHEREAS, the service provided by the Terry High School Beta Club has a positive impact on our state, community and citizens, and this leadership is observing March 7-11, 2016, as National Beta Club Week:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize the Terry High School Beta Club as part of the largest educational youth leadership organization in America on the occasion of 2016 National Beta Club Week, and encourage support and awareness of this organization as they prepare themselves to be responsible citizens providing meaningful service to our schools and communities.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the President of the Terry High School Beta Club and their sponsors, forwarded to Roy Balentine, Principal of Terry High School, and the Hinds County Board of Education, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.