House Concurrent Resolution 15

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ACKNOWLEDGING MARCH 3, 2017, AS "NATIONAL SPEECH AND DEBATE EDUCATION DAY" AND ENCOURAGING THE CITIZENS OF MISSISSIPPI TO COMMEMORATE ITS OBSERVANCE ON MARCH 3, 2017.

WHEREAS, National Speech and Debate Education Day is being commemorated on March 3, 2017, to celebrate the communication skills that are essential for empowering youth to become engaged citizens, skilled professionals, and honorable leaders in our global society; and

WHEREAS, established by the National Speech and Debate Association, in conjunction with national and local partners, this celebration serves to promote better instruction in speech and debate across all grade levels and to highlight the pivotal roles these abilities play in personal advocacy, social movements, and public policy making, ensuring all Mississippi youth have the skills and ingenuities they need to enhance the world; and

WHEREAS, the National Speech and Debate Association envisions a world in which every student has access to competitive speech and debate activities and serves as the leading voice in the development of resources, competitive and ethical standards, curricular and co-curricular opportunities and recognition systems for its vast network of student, coach, and alumni members; and

WHEREAS, speech and debate education helps students develop important skills in communication, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration through the practice of public speaking, as participants learn not only to analyze and express complex ideas effectively but also to listen, concur, question or dissent with reason and compassion; and

WHEREAS, across the country and throughout Mississippi, countless educators devote in-school, after-school and weekend time to supporting their students in speech and debate practices and competitions, and the example of hard work and dedication they set has lasting, positive impact on their pupils; and

WHEREAS, the skills learned through speech and debate serve students well throughout their lives, and this occasion presents a welcome opportunity to recognize such instruction as an essential component of a well-rounded curriculum; and

WHEREAS, the people of Mississippi recognize and commend the outstanding service of the National Speech and Debate Association and understand the importance of imparting speech and debate skills to the youth of Mississippi to empower them to reach their goals and achieve greatness and firmly believe that it is fitting and proper to commemorate the unparalleled appreciation of the role speech and debate play in the future of the youth of Mississippi and observe March 3, 2017, as "National Speech and Debate Education Day":

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING

THEREIN, That we do hereby acknowledge and observe March 3, 2017, as "National Speech and Debate Education Day" and encourage the citizens of Mississippi to commemorate its observance on March 3, 2017.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the National Speech and Debate Association, the Governor of Mississippi, the Secretary of State of Mississippi and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.