Bill Text: MS HR130 | 2013 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: Laura Lee Lewis; commend tenacity in creating a MS Chapter of Teen Trendsetters Reading Mentors Program in Brookhaven.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2013-03-30 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HR130 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2013-HR130-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2013 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Currie
House Resolution 130
(As Adopted by House)
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING LAURA LEE LEWIS FOR HER TENACITY AND COMMITMENT TO CREATING A MISSISSIPPI CHAPTER OF TEEN TRENDSETTERS READING MENTORS PROGRAM IN BROOKHAVEN, MISSISSIPPI.
WHEREAS, Brookhaven native, Laura Lee Lewis, has taken the initiative to lead the charge in becoming the state's leading and shining example of improving the literacy rate of families and students through steps undertaken to create a Mississippi Chapter of Teen Trendsetters Reading Mentors Program; and
WHEREAS, an award-winning mentoring program sponsored by the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, Teen Trendsetters understand the importance of reading when it comes to future success in school and life, prompting teens to get involved in a manner that allows them to help boost a young person's reading skills and sense of personal achievement; and
WHEREAS, the functional success of the programs is premised on Lead Teen Trendsetters and an advisor from an area high school working with a neighboring elementary school, pairing approximately 15 teens with 15 younger students once a week for one-hour mentoring sessions, getting to know one another and spending valuable time reading and enjoying other educational activities; and
WHEREAS, quality mentoring sessions for the elementary students are ensured by providing the high school mentors leadership training and instruction through a specialized 40-minute curriculum called Brainstorm, in addition to equipping each participating elementary student with more than a dozen scholastic readers throughout the year to add to their own home library; and
WHEREAS, the program's two levels of curriculum consists of Grade 1 through 2, which is designed in three series, Little Critters, Green and Growing and Creepy Crawlies, while the Grade 3 curriculum features the two-part series Wild Weather and Animals at Risk; and
WHEREAS, the Teen Trendsetters Reading Mentors Program has a remarkable volunteer retention rate of 90%, which translates to younger students benefiting from having experienced mentors, all the while teens earn valuable community service hours while helping their local elementary school; and
WHEREAS, a testament to the success of the Teen Trendsetters Reading Mentors Program, which is the recipient of the prestigious Harris Wofford Award for "best youth program" in the nation, is the initial program chartered in Florida ten years ago with just 30 teens, has now evolved into more than 3,500 students reaping the benefits from working with Teen Trendsetters; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to acknowledge the efforts such remarkable individuals of Laura's caliber throughout this state who strive with utmost fervor to improve education and literacy among youth and families:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Laura Lee Lewis for her tenacity and commitment to creating a Mississippi Chapter of Teen Trendsetters Reading Mentors Program and convey heartiest wishes to her for success in the program's implementation and all of her future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Laura Lee Lewis and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
