Bill Text: MS HC39 | 2010 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: Kaleb Eulls; commend and honor his lifesaving heroic acts exemplified on September 1, 2008.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-1)
Status: (Passed) 2010-02-09 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HC39 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2010-HC39-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2010 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Clark, Smith (27th), Patterson
House Concurrent Resolution 39
(As Adopted by House)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE HEROISM AND SELFLESS COURAGE UNDER FIRE EXHIBITED BY KALEB EULLS IN DEFUSING A VOLATILE SITUATION AND SAVING THE LIVES OF NUMEROUS STUDENTS BY PLACING HIMSELF IN HARM'S WAY TO DISARM A GUN THREAT ON A SCHOOL BUS.
WHEREAS, when Kaleb Eulls, a rising Yazoo County High School senior football standout, Dandy Dozen and verbally committed Mississippi State football prospect, boarded the yellow bus that transports him along with his three younger sisters to school on Tuesday, September 1, 2009, it was just another typical day's routine: take his customary seat toward the rear; ensure that his sisters were aboard and seated; get comfortable for the long bus route ahead; plug in his MP3 player; and listen to the music that ultimately puts him to sleep; and
WHEREAS, however, this particular Tuesday took a sudden and drastic turn for the worse, when a fellow female teenage student boarded the bus and pulled a semiautomatic handgun out of her flower-print book-bag, causing instant hysteria on the bus and Kaleb to be awakened by one of his terrified sisters; and
WHEREAS, not thinking of his own personal safety, Eulls, the 6-foot-4, 255-pound son of Ora Eulls, took control of the situation by talking with the young girl while opening the backdoor of the bus, allowing some of the frightened children to frantically scurry off the bus to their safety; and
WHEREAS, at the appropriate time, when opportunity presented itself, Kaleb took advantage of the girl's lack of concentration, tackled her and wrestled the weapon away from her, alerted the bus driver of what he had done, then exited the rear of the bus, unloaded the gun, and instantly garnered the title as a true "Hometown Hero"; and
WHEREAS, Kaleb's heroism and near martyrdom has drawn him national attention, appearing on CNN and NBC's Today, but this spotlight has had minimal impact on Eulls' character, as he is accustomed to the attention that comes with his athletic success, including his Clarion-Ledger Dandy Dozen selection, three-time All-Yazoo Herald Team selection, two-time Yazoo Herald Terrific Twelve selection, Yazoo County High School Panthers Team Captain, boasting a 3.3 GPA since ninth grade, and yet, all the while remaining grateful and humble; and
WHEREAS, although Kaleb does not consider himself a hero, many others in the community would beg to differ, especially the children and the parents of those children whose lives were saved, as well as a county, state and nation moved by the selflessness of a young man, who could have easily walked away from the situation, caring for only the interest of his loved ones aboard the bus, and who could have easily lost his life in his effort to save the lives of others; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to commend such a remarkable individual as Kaleb Eulls, whose courage, concern and call to action highlight the valor and true character of our state's youth, who are its future and its saving grace:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the heroism and selfless courage under fire exhibited by Kaleb Eulls in defusing a volatile situation and saving the lives of numerous students by placing himself in harm's way to disarm a gun threat on a school bus, express humble gratitude for his quick action in preventing what could have possibly been the most horrific school tragedy in the State of Mississippi, since the Pearl High School shooting, and extend most sincere wishes for continued success in all of his future academic, athletic and career endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Kaleb Eulls and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
