Bill Text: MS SC618 | 2011 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commend Lucas Foley for winning the 2011 Mississippi Prudential Spirit of Community Award as Youth Volunteer.
Sponsorship: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2011-03-04 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC618 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2011-SC618-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2011 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Browning, Burton, Butler (38th), Fillingane, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd)
Senate Concurrent Resolution 618
(As Adopted by Senate and House)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING NEW ALBANY HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR LUCAS FOLEY OF BLUE SPRINGS, MISSISSIPPI, UPON HIS RECEIPT OF THE 2011 PRUDENTIAL SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARD AS TOP YOUTH VOLUNTEER IN MISSISSIPPI.
WHEREAS, Lucas Foley, a senior at New Albany High School in New Albany, 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, Lucas, a senior at New Albany High School, established a food pantry at his church that has served more than 100 families in his community. When his church held a meeting on how to help people who had lost their jobs due to the economy, Lucas suggested a food pantry. He got permission to use an empty Sunday school room, and sent letters to church members asking them to donate labor, supplies and money for food. Lucas and his mother then went shopping to buy groceries, a former restaurant owner donated shelving, and 22 volunteers showed up on a Saturday to paint the room, assemble shelves and organize the food; and
WHEREAS, originally, Lucas thought his "Hillcrest Hunger Room" would just benefit members of his church, but since it opened in late 2009, it has provided much-needed sustenance to people throughout his community, including jobless individuals, people who have lost their homes to fire, the sick and elderly, and, much to Lucas' surprise, even some of his school classmates. Lucas plans to keep the pantry stocked through food drives and ongoing donations, and, now that the pantry has a freezer as well, volunteers meet there to make casseroles that can be frozen and given out when needed. "I cannot believe that my small idea has helped so many people," Lucas said; 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, YMCAs, 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 Lucas, 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 New Albany High School senior Lucas Foley of Blue Springs, Mississippi, upon his receipt of the 2011 Prudential Spirit of Community Award, and recognize his outstanding record of volunteer service, peer leadership and community spirit, and extend to Lucas and his family the best wishes for success in his future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Lucas and his family and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
