MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2018 1st Extraordinary Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives Paden, Holland, Williams-Barnes, Sykes

House Resolution 4

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING MS. ASYA BRANCH UPON BEING CROWNED MISS MISSISSIPPI 2018.

     WHEREAS, Ms. Asya Branch, formerly Miss Tupelo, was crowned Miss Mississippi 2018, on Saturday, June 23, 2018, capturing the No. 1 spot sought after by a competitive field of young ladies who competed for the coveted title to represent Mississippi in the 2018 Miss America Pageant; and

     WHEREAS, as a native of Booneville, Mississippi, who grew up in a faith-based home, Asya attends the University of Mississippi, majoring in broadcast journalism, and she plans to pursue a Juris Doctorate degree in law after graduation; and

     WHEREAS, dedicated to academic excellence, Asya is the recipient of the Academic Excel Scholarship, and she is a Hall of Fame, Mississippi Scholar Honor Graduate; and

     WHEREAS, as Miss Mississippi, Asya will represent the State of Mississippi at the Miss America Pageant in historic Atlantic City, New Jersey, on September 9, 2018, where the American tradition began in 1921; and

     WHEREAS, Asya's platform is "Empowering Children of Incarcerated Parents," stating that her father who is incarcerated is her biggest encourager and supporter and has always steered her in the direction of success and offered her strength for each step she has taken in life, and with this as her platform, she wants to help children of incarcerated parents understand their situation and rise above it to be empowered to reach their dreams and aspirations; and

     WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend outstanding Mississippians, especially those such as Ms. Asya Branch, whose devotion to family, unwavering faith and perseverance has brought honor to her family, her community and to the Magnolia State:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize and commend Ms. Asya Branch for being crowned Miss Mississippi 2018, and extend sincerest wishes for continued success in all of her future endeavors.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Ms. Asya Branch and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.