HR 387

HR387 193052-1 By Representative Mooney RFD: First Read: 13-MAR-18 193052-1:n:03/13/2018:KBH/cr LSA2018-1253 RECOGNIZING AIDAN OLIVIA MILLS ON HER SELECTION AS A 2018 YOUNG HERO OF ALABAMA. WHEREAS, highest commendations and congratulations are herein proudly presented to Aidan Olivia Mills on her outstanding achievement of being selected as a 2018 Young Hero of Alabama; and WHEREAS, the Young Heroes Program, presented by Alabama Public Television, recognizes students in grades 9-12 who have excelled in academics, given of themselves through public service, overcome adversity, or inspired others through deeds and strength of character; and WHEREAS, Aidan is an accomplished student at Hazel Green High School in Hazel Green, Alabama, and her remarkable spirit and selfless and caring nature are a tremendous source of inspiration; she has demonstrated immense courage throughout her life, from being airlifted to Huntsville Hospital at the age of three after suffering a major seizure that left her unresponsive, to later experiencing the tragedy of losing a close friend in a bus accident while on a youth ministry mission trip; and WHEREAS, Aidan, at age 12, decided she wanted to help parents who find themselves at a hospital under emergency circumstances without the time to pack a bag of toiletries, so she initiated the 13:13 Project, named for the Bible verse from 1 Corinthians 13:13, "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love."; and WHEREAS, Aidan began collecting toiletry items to pack into "anchor bags" that were donated to the Huntsville Hospital for Women and Children; the bags were named after Hebrews 6:19, "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."; and WHEREAS, receiving support from local businesses and through the involvement of her church, Mt. Zion Baptist, the 13:13 Project grew, and the organization began feeding parents who were at the hospital with a sick or injured child after Aidan sold shirts with the project logo to raise the money for meal vouchers; so far the 13:13 Project has donated more than $3,000 to the Huntsville Hospital Foundation, giving Aidan's project major donor status; and WHEREAS, Aidan is regarded as a hero by her family and friends for her unending enthusiasm, generosity, and entrepreneurship in seeing a need through her own difficult experiences and finding a way to make a difference in other's lives; and WHEREAS, among her many other achievements, Aidan was honored as the Young Citizen of the Month by Community Awareness for Youth, an organization sponsored by Rocket City Broadcasting, the City of Huntsville, and Huntsville Utilities, among other partners; and WHEREAS, a worthy role model for countless young Alabamians, Aidan espouses the meritorious characteristics of the Young Heroes Program, and she is truly deserving of special commendation and praise; now therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, That Aidan Olivia Mills is honored and commended, and this resolution is offered to her in highest tribute and with heartiest congratulations, as well as with sincere best wishes for continued success in all future endeavors.