House Resolution 23

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MISS VIVIAN O'NEAL, MISS MISSISSIPPI 2023, UPON WINNING THE COVETED CROWN, AND EXPRESSING BEST WISHES FOR CONTINUED SUCCESS IN ALL HER FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

WHEREAS, Miss Vivian O'Neal, a native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, was crowned with a sparkling tiara and presented a beautiful bouquet of roses, becoming Miss Mississippi 2023, at the 90th Miss Mississippi competition in Vicksburg, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Miss O'Neal graduated with a bachelor's degree in public relations and a master of education degree in higher education administration from the University of Southern Mississippi, where she works as the Coordinator of Recruitment and Strategic Communication for the Honors College; and

WHEREAS, formerly Miss Pine Belt, Miss O'Neal was awarded the crown and title following a high-ranking score from the judges during the preliminary rounds, and after being named the winner of the Quality of Life portion of the competition, which is given to the competitor that best demonstrates leadership while serving her community, with Miss O'Neal receiving the scholarship funding for her work in the nonprofit organization CapABLE; and

WHEREAS, founded in 2019, CapABLE gives educators across the state access to disability inclusion resources aimed at helping bridge the gap between students with disabilities and students without; and

WHEREAS, since then, Miss O'Neal has expanded the organization to reach over 20,000 students located in Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, and North Carolina, and its first children's book, "Josiah's Big Day" was authored by Miss O'Neal and has sold over 200 copies; and

WHEREAS, outstandingly, Miss O'Neal won the competition in a sparkling red evening gown with all-over beading for evening wear, and performed a high-energy dance routine to "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" by Whitney Houston in the talent portion; and

WHEREAS, during her time competing at Miss America, Miss O'Neal was one of the three winners of Miss America's Preliminary Fitness Category, along with Miss Maryland and Miss Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor extraordinary Mississippians such as Miss O'Neal, a young woman who exudes poise, class and a tender heart, and serves as an asset and wonderful role model to everyone throughout the great Magnolia State and the nation, with her attitude, determination and professionalism that bring honor to the Hattiesburg 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 Miss Vivian O'Neal, Miss Mississippi 2023, upon winning the coveted crown and express best wishes for continued success in all her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Miss Vivian O'Neal, in acknowledgment of her accomplishment as Miss Mississippi 2023, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.