House Concurrent Resolution 43

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MISS RODEO MISSISSIPPI 2013, PAIGE NICHOLSON, UPON RECEIVING THE DISTINCT HONOR AND PRIVILEGE OF BEING CROWNED WITH THE PRESTIGIOUS TITLE OF MISS RODEO AMERICA 2014.

WHEREAS, Paige Nicholson, Mississippi's Miss Rodeo 2013, the 39th young lady to adorn the crown has bestowed great acclaim and recognition to her hometown of Lawrence, Mississippi, and the entire State of Mississippi upon being crowned Miss Rodeo America 2014; and

WHEREAS, as Miss Rodeo Mississippi, Paige distinguishingly represented Mississippi at all Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) events throughout the state and abroad during her year of reign with such style, grace and poise; and

WHEREAS, it was this very presence and demureness exhibited by Miss Nicholson during the Miss Rodeo America competition pageant held in Las Vegas, Nevada, December 2013, that enabled her to capture the highly coveted title of Miss Rodeo America 2014; and

WHEREAS, a Mississippi State University alumnus holding a bachelor of science degree in agriculture information science, the new Miss Rodeo America aspires to attend and obtain a law degree from the University of Mississippi School of Law and subsequently pursue a career in law that allows her to advocate for agriculture and preservation of the western way of life; and

WHEREAS, active as a rodeo competitor and enthusiast throughout formal and secondary school years, which enabled her to accumulate several awards and titles, including Outstanding Senior 4-H member, Miss Rodeo Mississippi Teen, National High School Rodeo Association Queen Contest Top Ten, Miss Mississippi High School Rodeo and two-time National Wrangler Top Hand Team selectee, Paige continues the enjoyment of horseback riding, team roping, barrel racing, fishing, boating, working on the family beef cattle farm and writing for Cattle Business Magazine when time permits; and

WHEREAS, while enrolled at Mississippi State, Paige was a member of the MSU Rodeo and Dairy Science Clubs, Miss Maroon and White, an Emmie Williams Memorial and Fuquay Endowed Scholarship recipient and a MSU President's list academic scholar; and

WHEREAS, as Miss Rodeo Mississippi, and now in her new capacity as Miss Rodeo America, Paige will continue her services of volunteerism with the 4-H horse project, Relay of Life and assisting as a special needs horse show instructor; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to share in the enthusiasm of citizens of this state, such as Miss Nicholson, as they represent Mississippi on a national level with such a great title, as she serves as Miss Rodeo America 2014:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Miss Rodeo Mississippi 2013, Paige Nicholson, upon receiving the distinct honor and privilege of being crowned with the prestigious title of Miss Rodeo America 2014, and extend best wishes for continued success as she serves as Mississippi's and the country's First Lady of Professional Rodeo.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Miss Paige Nicholson and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.