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H. R. No. 145 *HR43/R2739* ~ OFFICIAL ~ N1/2
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To: Rules
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION 2026
By: Representative Barnett
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 145
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING MISS MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY 1
KAROLINA L. HEATHCOCK ON HER PROMOTION OF MISSISSIPPI'S NATURAL 2
RESOURCES THROUGH HER COMMUNITY SERVICE INITIATIVE, NATURE HEALS. 3
WHEREAS, Karolina L. Heathcock of Waynesboro, Mississippi, a 4
senior Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture major at Mississippi 5
State University, is honorably representing her university as Miss 6
Mississippi State University 2026; and 7
WHEREAS, in her role as Miss MSU, Karolina has implemented 8
for her community service initiative an impressive project 9
entitled "Nature Heals" which promotes outdoor education and 10
environmental stewardship of Mississippi's natural resources, 11
particularly among the state's youth; and 12
WHEREAS, Nature Heals was founded by Karolina after she 13
recognized an increasing disconnect between youth and the natural 14
environments around them when she observed children in parks and 15
outdoor spaces being focused on phones or other electronic devices 16
instead of taking advantage of the inviting landscapes, wildlife 17
and ecosystems readily surrounding them; and 18
H. R. No. 145 *HR43/R2739* ~ OFFICIAL ~
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WHEREAS, through Nature Heals, Karolina has visited more than 19
30 classrooms and spoken on the importance of outdoor engagement 20
and environmental awareness with over 600 students, in addition to 21
engaging with several community organizations across the state, 22
over the past two years; and 23
WHEREAS, based on her education in natural resource 24
management and experience in legislative affairs gained through 25
her work with the U.S. Forest Service and The Nature Conservancy, 26
Karolina has developed a deeper understanding of the role civic 27
leadership plays in protecting our natural heritage and expanding 28
outdoor opportunities; and 29
WHEREAS, studies have clearly shown the physical and mental 30
health benefits to children spending time outdoors, and 31
researchers agree that kids who play outside are happier and 32
better at paying attention, experience increased physical 33
activity, and are less anxious and stressed; and 34
WHEREAS, as Miss Mississippi State University, Karolina's 35
passion for strengthening young people's connection to 36
Mississippi's natural resources through outdoor education is being 37
played out in all corners of the state, and through her tireless 38
work through Nature Heals, the individual lives of our youth 39
inspired by her message to enjoy the abundant natural resources - 40
the great outdoors - of the Magnolia State are being improved, 41
thereby making a healthier, better Mississippi for tomorrow; and 42
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ST: Miss MSU Karolina L. Heathcock; commend for
promoting state's natural resources through
community service initiative, Nature Heals.
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to 43
recognize outstanding Mississippians such as Miss Mississippi 44
State University Karolina L. Heathcock, whose commitment to 45
improving the lives of fellow Mississippians, especially the youth 46
of our state, through Nature Heals brings honor and pride to her 47
hometown of Waynesboro, Mississippi State University and the 48
entire State of Mississippi: 49
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF 50
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby 51
commend Miss Mississippi State University Karolina L. Heathcock on 52
her promotion of Mississippi's natural resources through her 53
community service initiative, Nature Heals, and extend best wishes 54
for continued success in all her future endeavors. 55
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be 56
furnished to Miss Mississippi State University Karolina L. 57
Heathcock and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps. 58