Bill Text: MS SC620 | 2010 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commend Noah Robertson for winning the 2010 Mississippi Prudential Spirit of Community Award.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 4-0)
Status: (Passed) 2010-03-03 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC620 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2010-SC620-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2010 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Powell, Wilemon, Butler, Jackson (32nd)
Senate Concurrent Resolution 620
(As Adopted by Senate and House)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING IUKA MIDDLE SCHOOL 8TH GRADE STUDENT NOAH ROBERTSON UPON HIS RECEIPT OF THE 2010 PRUDENTIAL SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARD AS TOP MIDDLE LEVEL YOUTH VOLUNTEER IN MISSISSIPPI.
WHEREAS, Noah Robertson, an eighth grade student at Iuka Middle School in Iuka, Mississippi, has been named Mississippi's top middle level youth volunteer for 2010 by receiving a Prudential Spirit of Community Award; and
WHEREAS, this prestigious award, now in its 15th year, presented by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, honors young volunteers across America who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to serving their communities; and
WHEREAS, Noah designed and implemented an anti-bullying campaign that culminated in a rally attended by the entire student body at his school. "My best friend is autistic and I continually see people treating him in a bullying manner," said Noah. He has seen many other students at his school suffer at the hands of bullies and has even been bullied himself. "I felt I needed to do something to help everyone in my school understand that bullying causes long-term damage, and we need to stand up for one another"; and
WHEREAS, with support from school officials, Noah began researching all aspects of bullying, and then developed a brochure explaining different types of bullying, the signs of bullying, and ways to prevent it. To get it printed, he persuaded a local organization to provide funding. Next, Noah created four performance skits and an audio/video slideshow about bullying, which he presented at a school-wide rally. Afterwards, each student was asked to sign a "no-bullying" contract that Noah designed, and three drop-boxes that he built were placed around the school so students can anonymously report incidents of bullying. His campaign struck such a chord that his school plans to continue it from year to year, and other schools in the district have expressed interest in using it; and
WHEREAS, in addition, the program's judges recognized four other Mississippi students as distinguished finalists for their impressive community service activities; and
WHEREAS, all public and private middle-level and high schools in the country, as well as all Girl Scout councils, county 4-H organizations, American Red Cross chapters, YMCA's, Camp Fire USA councils and volunteer centers, were eligible to select a student or member for a local Prudential Spirit of Community Award this past November. Local honorees were then reviewed by state-level judges, who selected State Honorees and Distinguished Finalists based on criteria such as personal initiative, creativity, effort, impact and personal growth; and
WHEREAS, ten of the State Honorees - five middle-level and five high school students - will be named America's top ten youth volunteers of the year by a prestigious national selection committee. These National Honorees will receive an additional $5,000.00, a gold medallion and a crystal trophy. In addition, the ten National Honorees will have a total of $250,000.00 in children's products donated in their names to needy children in their communities by Kids in Distressed Situations, Inc., the national charity of the children's apparel and products industry; and
WHEREAS, the success of the State of Mississippi, the strength of our communities and the overall vitality of American society depend, in great measure, upon the dedication of young people like Noah, who use their considerable talents and resources to serve others:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Iuka Middle School student Noah Robertson of Iuka, Mississippi, upon his receipt of the 2010 Prudential Spirit of Community Award, and recognize his outstanding record of volunteer service, peer leadership and community spirit and extend to Noah and his family the best wishes for success in his future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Noah and his family and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
