S*0514 Concurrent Resolution, By J.V. Smith
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE AND COMMEND JERRY GUO OF GREER UPON
 RECEIVING THE PRUDENTIAL SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARD, TO RECOGNIZE HIM FOR AN
 OUTSTANDING RECORD OF VOLUNTEER SERVICE, PEER LEADERSHIP, AND COMMUNITY
 SPIRIT, AND TO EXTEND TO HIM BEST WISHES IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

   02/22/05  Senate Introduced, adopted, sent to House SJ-3
   02/23/05  House  Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence HJ-7

TO CONGRATULATE AND COMMEND JERRY GUO OF GREER UPON RECEIVING THE PRUDENTIAL SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARD, TO RECOGNIZE HIM FOR AN OUTSTANDING RECORD OF VOLUNTEER SERVICE, PEER LEADERSHIP, AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT, AND TO EXTEND TO HIM BEST WISHES IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Whereas, Jerry Guo of Greer, a senior at Riverside High School, has achieved national recognition for exemplary volunteer service by receiving a 2005 Prudential Spirit of Community Award; and

Whereas, he was named one of South Carolina's top two youth volunteers for 2005 by the Prudential Spirit of Community, a nationwide program honoring young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism; and

Whereas, this prestigious award, 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, Jerry Guo founded and now leads "ScienceHelp", a nonprofit organization that assists disadvantaged youth across the country with science homework and projects, and encourages them to pursue scientific careers; and

Whereas, while volunteering at an inner-city school, Jerry discovered that some students were turned off to learning because they never got the opportunity to apply their lessons to real-life situations. He decided to help kids experience the joys of hands-on research and hopefully set them on a lifelong path of discovery; and

Whereas, Jerry asked a few friends and "fellow science nerds" to help him mentor a small number of struggling students, but wanted to reach many more. So he secured corporate grants totaling more than thirty thousand dollars, significantly expanded his mentor "staff" and created a website that enabled the mentors to connect with students all over the country; and

Whereas, Jerry and his fellow volunteers not only help students with science homework, but provide support for science fair projects, put students in touch with professors at research institutions, and assist with independent research efforts; and

Whereas, in the past year, over two hundred volunteers mentored several hundred eager middle and high school students who otherwise probably would not have had such an opportunity; and

Whereas, the success of the State of South Carolina, the strength of our communities, and the overall vitality of American society depend, in great measure, upon the dedication of young people like Jerry Guo who use their considerable talents and resources to serve others; and

Whereas, it is with great pleasure that the South Carolina General Assembly pauses to recognize this truly gifted and talented young man's accomplishments. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the General Assembly, by this resolution, congratulate and commend Jerry Guo of Greer upon receiving the Prudential Spirit of Community Award, recognize him for an outstanding record of volunteer service, peer leadership, and community spirit, extend to him best wishes in all his future endeavors.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Jerry Guo of Greer.