House Resolution 51

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING JONATHAN PEARSON SLOAN ON BEING AWARDED THE HIGHEST RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT BY THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA, TROOP 16 OF THE CHOCTAW AREA COUNCIL IN MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, on March 18, 2017, Jonathan Pearson Sloan will be awarded the rank of Eagle Scout by the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 16 of the Choctaw Area Council in Meridian, Mississippi, the absolute highest honor a young boy scout can achieve and a true testament to his illustrious dedication to his community; and

WHEREAS, Jonathan, the son of Ernie and Lorie Sloan, is a high school senior at West Lauderdale High School and a member of the West Lauderdale High School Mighty Knights Marching Band, an activity that he thoroughly enjoys and takes great pride in; and

WHEREAS, the prestigious title of Eagle Scout is awarded to any boy scout who has earned 21 merit badges and demonstrated Scout Spirit through the Boy Scout Oath and Law, service and leadership, which include an execution of an extensive service project that the scout plans, organizes, leads and manages; and

WHEREAS, because Jonathan loves the steps, pivots, counts, beats, rhythms and practices that accompany being a member of the Mighty Knights Marching Band, he wanted his Eagle Scout project to be one that would benefit the band program that has held such a place near and dear to his heart; and

WHEREAS, Jonathan created an outdoor break area that included four tables with umbrellas and benches, so that his fellow band marchers will have a place to rest during band rehearsal while also hanging out and making fun memories; and

WHEREAS, while Jonathan will miss his times in the band once he graduates, he is looking forward to becoming a Bulldog at Mississippi State University this fall and majoring in software engineering; and

WHEREAS, Jonathan Pearson Sloan is a bright, gracious young man who has strong Christian beliefs and sets a positive example for those around him, as an Eagle Scout is supposed to, and because of his great interest in the world around him and making it the best he can, he will ultimately become a great asset not just for the State of Mississippi, but also for the nation as a whole; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor the best and brightest of Mississippi's youth, especially those such as Jonathan Pearson Sloan, who has attained scouting's highest rank, and in doing so, brought honor to his family, school, community and the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Jonathan Pearson Sloan on being awarded the highest rank of Eagle Scout by the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 16 of the Choctaw Area Council in Meridian, Mississippi, and extend sincere wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Jonathan Pearson Sloan and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.