House Resolution 99

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE ARTISTIC ABILITY OF MICHAEL GAVIN AND CONGRATULATING HIM ON PLACING AS ONE OF THREE TOP FINALISTS IN THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI ART CONTEST.

WHEREAS, Michael Gavin, an 11th-grade student attending Laurel High School in Laurel, Mississippi, was recently named by the Mississippi Arts Commission as a winner of the Great Seal of the State of Mississippi Arts Contest, placing third; and

WHEREAS, this year's overall third-place finish by Michael is significant in highlighting the importance of incorporating the arts in schools throughout the state, and further demonstrates the incumbent need to better understand right-brain/left-brain thinking; and

WHEREAS, a special individual among others in his junior class, Michael is presented with the unique challenge of being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (autistic), which causes various difficulties with social interaction and communication depending upon the severity of the condition by which an individual is affected, and while guided in his efforts to construct an artistic replica of the state seal by project Laurel High School art instructor, Chuck Terrell; and

WHEREAS, tasked with the objective of embellishing and enhancing the Great Seal of the State of Mississippi to make it more imaginative, creative and inspiring as a means of invoking intellectual discourse among Mississippi's citizens about the arts when they are making decisions about the curriculum being taught in schools, Michael exemplifies the cognitive value of right-brain thinking as it relates to creativity, imagination and innovation as promoted by the Mississippi Arts Whole School Initiative; and

WHEREAS, Michael's artistic impression of the state seal, which earned him a place among the top three finishers in the state and a showcased display in the State Capitol, employed the use of embellished aluminum platelets, beading, cardboard and paint; and

WHEREAS, this Legislature understands the critical importance of the integration of arts into the classroom as evidenced by its appropriation of funds to the Mississippi Arts Commission for the implementation of an arts whole-school curriculum in schools throughout the State of Mississippi, in a concerted effort to incorporate art in the core subject areas; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the artistic talent of our state's youth, such as Michael Gavin, who are encouraged by excellence in the arts despite suffering an impairment in cognitive social and communication skills to perceive arts as a medium for academically tailored educational enhancement of right-brain thinking and functionality:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby congratulate and commend the artistic ability of Michael Gavin of Laurel High School on placing as one of three top finalists in the Great Seal of the State of Mississippi Art Contest and extend best wishes for continued success in his artistry and education.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Michael Gavin, Laurel High School, the Mississippi Arts Commission and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.