Senate Resolution 35

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING HOLLY BRAND OF MERIDIAN AS MISS MISSISSIPPI 2021 AND COMMENDING HER SOCIAL IMPACT INITIATIVE ON VOLUNTEERISM.

WHEREAS, we join the citizens of Meridian and the entire state in congratulating Holly Brand for achieving the title of Miss Mississippi 2021 and in fulfilling her duties promoting our state; and

WHEREAS, Holly, as Miss Mississippi 2021, represented the state at the Miss America pageant in December 2021; and

WHEREAS, Miss Mississippi 2021 is a native of Meridian, Mississippi. Holly is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of Alabama, where she was named a Red Hat Graduate, A member of Lamda Phi Eta, and selected as a Consultant for the University of Alabama Speaking; and

WHEREAS, Holly plans to attend graduate school and pursue a career in the music industry. Holly served the State of Mississippi as Miss Mississippi's Outstanding Teen 2017. Through participating in the Miss Mississippi Organization, Holly has received more than $18,000.00 in scholarship money to pursue her college education; and

WHEREAS, Holly's social impact initiative, Volunteerism: If You See a Need, Take the Lead aims to address issues within communities and create a network of volunteers of all ages who are dedicated to helping others; and

WHEREAS, at only seven years old, Holly started TeddyBears for Troopers, a project designed to collect and donate stuffed animals for policemen to give to children in emergency situations. Thirteen years, countless volunteer hours, and 8,500 stuffed animals later, Holly's core mission remains the same: to identify problems and provide solutions through volunteering; and

WHEREAS, Holly's goal is to connect local titleholders with their regional hubs to promote their social impact initiatives while expanding the reach of the Miss Mississippi Organization. She maintains that the needs are great, but our potential to make a difference is greater; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we commend an outstanding young Mississippi citizen who has brought honor to her community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize Holly Brand of Meridian as Miss Mississippi 2021 and commend her social impact initiative on volunteerism, and extend to Holly the best wishes of the Senate for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Miss Mississippi Holly Brand and her family, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.