Bill Text: MS HR18 | 2017 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: Laura Lee Lewis; congratulate upon being named Miss Mississippi 2016.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 2-0)
Status: (Passed) 2017-02-21 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HR18 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2017-HR18-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2017 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Currie, Mangold
House Resolution 18
(As Adopted by House)
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MISS LAURA LEE LEWIS, MISS MISSISSIPPI 2016, UPON WINNING THE COVETED CROWN AND EXPRESS DEEPEST WISHES FOR CONTINUED SUCCESS IN ALL OF HER FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
WHEREAS, on Saturday, June 25, 2016, Miss Laura Lee Lewis of Brookhaven, Mississippi, was crowned with the sparkling tiara and handed beautiful roses, becoming Miss Mississippi 2016, in front of the crowded Vicksburg Conference Center that erupted in a thundering applause when the emcee announced her name; and
WHEREAS, the beautiful and talented Miss Lewis was not only crowned queen at the 2016 Miss Mississippi Pageant, but she also won the preliminary talent competition with her rendition of Barbara Streisand's "Piece of Sky," earned a $10,000.00 scholarship, and the opportunity to compete for the title of Miss America 2017 on September 11, 2016, in Atlantic City, New Jersey; and
WHEREAS, while she will not broaden her reign as Miss America 2017, Miss Lewis represented the talents, traits and hospitality of a true Mississippian at the pageant, wowing the audience and viewers at home with her poise, personality and melodious vocals, finishing with honor and returning to her hometown as the fourth runner-up; and
WHEREAS, the new Miss Mississippi is a student at Mississippi State University pursuing a degree in education, where she excels academically, earning elite spots on the President's List and the Dean's List, and serving as a member of the Golden Key Honor Society for being in the top 15 percent of her class, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Alpha Lambda Delta, and the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi; and
WHEREAS, perhaps the most important part of Miss Lewis' tenure as Miss Mississippi 2016 has been her platform, Mentoring Matters, which develops and encourages high school students and adults to foster mentoring relationships with younger children, helping those children find the value of themselves and those around them; and
WHEREAS, Mentoring Matters has received national recognition, including being a Quality of Life Finalist at the Miss America Pageant, and local recognition from the Governor and Mississippi Legislature as an innovative and effective program that is having a positive, lasting impact on the young, most vulnerable citizens of Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, Miss Lewis, whose leadership and commitment to the betterment of Mississippi is truly unparalleled, gained inspiration for her platform from her own personal relationships with mentors in her life who inspired her to become the impressive, successful young lady she is today; and
WHEREAS, more than just a platform, Mentoring Matters has trained over 150 quality mentors and matched them with 150 elementary and middle school students throughout the state, providing the gateway for children, through their mentor's encouragement, to recognize and appreciate their hard work in school, commitment to a goal, and the acknowledgement of their own worth, and helping them reach their fullest potential and achieve greatness; and
WHEREAS, in addition to her role with Mentoring Matters, Miss Lewis has partnered with Literacy Mentors, Retired Teachers Mentors, and 21st Century Community Learning Center Mentors, where she serves as a spokesperson and an advocate for the vital role mentoring can play in a child's life; and
WHEREAS, Miss Lewis has founded the Mississippi Chapter of the national award-winning mentoring program, TeenTrendsetters, created a website devoted to offering tips on developing mentoring relationships and providing other resources for teachers, parents and students, and has addressed the Mississippi Legislature on bullying, successfully lobbying for anti-bullying legislation; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor fine Mississippians such as Miss Laura Lee Lewis, a young woman who exudes poise, class and a tender heart, and serves as an asset and wonderful role model to young girls throughout the great Magnolia State and the nation, with her attitude, determination and professionalism that bring honor to the Brookhaven Community and the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Miss Laura Lee Lewis, Miss Mississippi 2016, upon winning the coveted crown and express deepest wishes for continued success in all of her future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Miss Laura Lee Lewis and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
