TO HONOR MARLEY STOKES, MISS SOUTH CAROLINA TEEN USA 2016, AND TO COMMEND HER FOR THE DISCIPLINE, ASPIRATIONS, AND TALENT THAT ENABLED HER TO REPRESENT THE PALMETTO STATE WITH DIGNITY AND POISE.

Whereas, on Saturday, November 21, 2015, Marley Stokes of Lexington was crowned Miss South Carolina Teen USA 2016 at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center; and

Whereas, that historic crowning moment marked her first step on a journey that took her to the Miss Teen USA Pageant, where she placed as second runner-up; and

Whereas, Marley is the daughter of Candy and Keith Stokes and younger sister of Alston. A student at Midlands Technical College, she is studying criminal justice, with the goal of becoming a behavioral analyst at the state or federal level to profile criminal behavior; and

Whereas, diagnosed in elementary school with learning disabilities, she has made it a life's mission to share her story with elementary schools, where she encourages children to express themselves with color through her Crayons for Kids program. Crayons for Kids began as a middle school community service project and eventually was shared with children throughout the State of South Carolina. Marley was recognized as a Teen to Watch by Columbia Metropolitan magazine for encouraging children to express themselves colorfully; and

Whereas, while attending River Bluff High School, she was a captain of the varsity cheerleading team and helped lead the team in capturing the Class AAA South Carolina State Championship during her junior year. For the past two years, Marley has modeled at the Atlanta Apparel Mart and the Chicago Merchandise Mart for prominent pageant and prom designers such as Sherri Hill, Tony Bowls, and Jasz Couture. She also has been featured in ad campaigns within Seventeen magazine and Teen Vogue Prom; and

Whereas, a dancer at heart, Marley has trained in dance for more than ten years. She has studied the art in New York City with the Rockettes, Broadway Dance Center, and Steps on Broadway. Presently, Marley shares her love of dance and her talent weekly with aspiring young dancers; and

Whereas, this determined young woman always has been aware that hard work is necessary in everything one chooses to do. She believes Babe Ruth had it right when he opined, "You just can't beat the person who never gives up"; and

Whereas, during her reign as Miss South Carolina Teen USA 2016, Marley Stokes provided a gracious and graceful role model that represented the combined qualities of intellect, talent, loveliness, and charm admired by all who know her. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, honor Marley Stokes, Miss South Carolina Teen USA 2016, and commend her for the discipline, aspirations, and talent that enabled her to represent the Palmetto State with dignity and poise.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Marley Stokes.