Bill Text: MS HR145 | 2026 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: Miss MSU Karolina L. Heathcock; commend for promoting state's natural resources through community service initiative, Nature Heals.
Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Republican 1)
Status: (Passed) 2026-03-26 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HR145 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2026-HR145-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2026 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Barnett
House Resolution 145
(As Adopted by House)
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING MISS MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY KAROLINA L. HEATHCOCK ON HER PROMOTION OF MISSISSIPPI'S NATURAL RESOURCES THROUGH HER COMMUNITY SERVICE INITIATIVE, NATURE HEALS.
WHEREAS, Karolina L. Heathcock of Waynesboro, Mississippi, a senior Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture major at Mississippi State University, is honorably representing her university as Miss Mississippi State University 2026; and
WHEREAS, in her role as Miss MSU, Karolina has implemented for her community service initiative an impressive project entitled "Nature Heals" which promotes outdoor education and environmental stewardship of Mississippi's natural resources, particularly among the state's youth; and
WHEREAS, Nature Heals was founded by Karolina after she recognized an increasing disconnect between youth and the natural environments around them when she observed children in parks and outdoor spaces being focused on phones or other electronic devices instead of taking advantage of the inviting landscapes, wildlife and ecosystems readily surrounding them; and
WHEREAS, through Nature Heals, Karolina has visited more than 30 classrooms and spoken on the importance of outdoor engagement and environmental awareness with over 600 students, in addition to engaging with several community organizations across the state, over the past two years; and
WHEREAS, based on her education in natural resource management and experience in legislative affairs gained through her work with the U.S. Forest Service and The Nature Conservancy, Karolina has developed a deeper understanding of the role civic leadership plays in protecting our natural heritage and expanding outdoor opportunities; and
WHEREAS, studies have clearly shown the physical and mental health benefits to children spending time outdoors, and researchers agree that kids who play outside are happier and better at paying attention, experience increased physical activity, and are less anxious and stressed; and
WHEREAS, as Miss Mississippi State University, Karolina's passion for strengthening young people's connection to Mississippi's natural resources through outdoor education is being played out in all corners of the state, and through her tireless work through Nature Heals, the individual lives of our youth inspired by her message to enjoy the abundant natural resources - the great outdoors - of the Magnolia State are being improved, thereby making a healthier, better Mississippi for tomorrow; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize outstanding Mississippians such as Miss Mississippi State University Karolina L. Heathcock, whose commitment to improving the lives of fellow Mississippians, especially the youth of our state, through Nature Heals brings honor and pride to her hometown of Waynesboro, Mississippi State University and the entire State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Miss Mississippi State University Karolina L. Heathcock on her promotion of Mississippi's natural resources through her community service initiative, Nature Heals, and extend best wishes for continued success in all her future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Miss Mississippi State University Karolina L. Heathcock and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
