MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2017 1st Extraordinary Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Michel

Senate Concurrent Resolution 522

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING THE 25 EAGLE SCOUTS FROM THE 2016-2017 SENIOR CLASS AT JACKSON ACADEMY AND COMMENDING THE IMPORTANT SCOUTING TRADITION AT THIS EXCELLENT INSTITUTION.

     WHEREAS, twenty-five members of the 2016-2017 Senior Class at Jackson Academy have attained the coveted rank of Eagle Scout; and

     WHEREAS, on average, fewer than 4% of all Scouts reach this honor.  To receive the Eagle Medal, a Scout must earn 22 merit badges.  Mandatory badges include three for citizenship and one each for camping, communications, lifesaving, environmental science, first aid, personal fitness/sports, personal management, safety and family life; and

     WHEREAS, being an Eagle Scout teaches you life skills:  64% of Air Force Academy graduates were Scouts; 63% of West Point graduates were Scouts; 77% of Annapolis graduates were Scouts; 72% of all Rhodes Scholars were Scouts; 85% of all FBI agents were Scouts; and 57% of the first 65 astronauts were Scouts; and

     WHEREAS, for every 100 boys who join a Boy Scout troop:  12 will have their first contact with a church; one will enter the clergy; 8 will enter a career that was learned through the merit badge system; one will use his Boy Scout skills to save a life; one will use his Boy Scout skills to save his own life; 17 will become scouting volunteers; and two will become Eagle Scouts; and

     WHEREAS, Jackson Academy Senior Eagle Scouts and staff are:  Douglas Noble, Brent Butler, James McLemore, Don Waller, Travis Rogers, Dolph Maxwell, Jeff Anderton, Caleb Canterbury, Cliff Kling, Harris McLemore, Preston McWilliams, Charlie Gautier, Phillip Talley, Blake Mills, Drake Warman, Mason Glaze, Garner Cheney, Jarvon Gaines, Will Spence, Kenneth Neimeyer, Brandon Miller, Logan Thomas, Conner Hipps, Will Laird, Trussell Jones, Nelson Thomas, Walker Fielder and John Eric Clark; and

     WHEREAS, the Boy Scouts of America has been at the forefront of instilling timeless values in youth since its founding in 1910.  For 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America has inspired millions of American youth by creating a strong foundation of leadership, service and community; and

     WHEREAS, Jackson Academy has many Eagle Scouts because this school is very rich in scouting traditions.  At Jackson Academy, it's an "in" thing to be a Scout; and

     WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize these young Mississippians, whose dedication to the traditions of scouting, self-discipline, determination and leadership demonstrate a dedication to citizenship and patriotism:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby congratulate the 25 Eagle Scouts from the 2016-2017 Senior Class at Jackson Academy, commend the important scouting tradition at this excellent institution and wish these young men continued success in their future scouting, academic and civic service endeavors.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the 25 Jackson Academy Eagle Scouts and their families, to Troop Scoutmasters, and to the Headmaster of Jackson Academy, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.