Bill Text: MS SC610 | 2011 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: Commend Gabrielle Spicer for winning the 2011 Mississippi Prudential Spirit of Community Award as Youth Volunteer.
Sponsorship: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2011-03-04 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC610 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2011-SC610-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2011 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Moffatt
Senate Concurrent Resolution 610
(As Adopted by Senate)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING OCEAN SPRINGS MIDDLE SCHOOL 7TH GRADE STUDENT GABRIELLE SPICER UPON HER RECEIPT OF THE 2011 PRUDENTIAL SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARD AS TOP YOUTH VOLUNTEER IN MISSISSIPPI.
WHEREAS, Gabrielle Spicer, a seventh grade student at Ocean Springs Middle School in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, has been named one of two top middle level youth volunteers for 2011 by receiving a Prudential Spirit of Community Award; and
WHEREAS, this prestigious award, now in its 16th year, presented by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, honors young volunteers across America who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to serving their communities; and
WHEREAS, Gabrielle, a seventh-grader at Ocean Springs Middle School, has been the Captain of a "Relay for Life" Team that has raised thousands of dollars over the past three years for the American Cancer Society; and
WHEREAS, as a cancer survivor, Gabrielle knows firsthand how devastating the disease can be. She was diagnosed with lymphoma just before her 3rd birthday. She began writing speeches about her battle with the disease and appeared before various groups to educate people and ask for support. But she wanted to do more. Three years ago, she attended a Relay for Life meeting in her town and signed up as a Team Captain. As a team leader, Gabrielle invited friends and family to join her, attended training sessions to learn how to motivate herself and team members, and devised ways to raise money for her cause. She set up a change drive at her school, sold T-shirts, collected items to sell at yard sales, and solicited funds from local businesses; and
WHEREAS, the money Gabrielle raised is helping to find a cure and provide direct help with transportation, housing and wellness programs for cancer patients and their families. "I have learned that almost everyone has been touched by cancer," said Gabrielle. "My favorite thing to do is to give patients and their families hope that cancer does not have to beat them"; and
WHEREAS, all public and private middle-level and high schools in the country, as well as all Girl Scout councils, county 4-H organizations, American Red Cross chapters, YMCA's, Camp Fire USA councils and volunteer centers, were eligible to select a student or member for a local Prudential Spirit of Community Award this past November. Local honorees were then reviewed by state-level judges, who selected State Honorees and Distinguished Finalists based on criteria such as personal initiative, creativity, effort, impact and personal growth; and
WHEREAS, ten of the State Honorees - five middle-level and five high school students - will be named America's top ten youth volunteers of the year by a prestigious national selection committee. These National Honorees will receive an additional $5,000.00, a gold medallion and a crystal trophy. In addition, the ten National Honorees will have a total of $250,000.00 in children's products donated in their names to needy children in their communities by Kids in Distressed Situations, Inc., the national charity of the children's apparel and products industry; and
WHEREAS, the success of the State of Mississippi, the strength of our communities and the overall vitality of American society depend, in great measure, upon the dedication of young people like Gabrielle, who use their considerable talents and resources to serve others:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Ocean Springs Middle School student Gabrielle Spicer of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, upon her receipt of the 2011 Prudential Spirit of Community Award, and recognize her outstanding record of volunteer service, peer leadership and community spirit, and extend to Gabrielle and her family the best wishes for success in her future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Gabrielle and her family and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
