2016 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 91
BY SENATOR HEWITT
A RESOLUTION
To commend Shirley Wilkins for her community service in providing college scholarships
for area students and promoting awareness of the affects of drinking and driving.
WHEREAS, this year, eleven recent graduates of St. Tammany Parish schools are
continuing their education with new laptop computers and a $250 stipend each, awarded by
the Alexis Keoka Marie Wilkins Scholarship Fund; and
WHEREAS, the fund was created by Shirley Wilkins in memory of her daughter, a
Fontainebleau High School senior, who was killed by a drunken driver on February 26,
2004; and
WHEREAS, as stated by Shirley Wilkins, "Alexis was always about helping the
underdog, helping those who had something they needed .... That's what this is all about.";
and
WHEREAS, the scholarship was established to promote awareness about drinking
while driving and to help high school seniors entering college for the first time and the
foundation's scholarship committee has partnered with the Slidell Church Basketball League
to provide deserving St. Tammany Parish high school seniors the awards; and
WHEREAS, since its establishment, the foundation has awarded more than $77,000
in scholarships to 82 recipients and in the last nine years, the foundation has given not only
monetary gifts, but sixty-four laptop computers to the students provided through the
generous donations of doctors and other community leaders and patrons; and
WHEREAS, in addition to awarding the scholarships, the foundation also sponsors
annually the Alexis Wilkins 3-Mile Walk, and celebrated its fifth year of sponsoring the
walk with the theme, "Teens and Parents Against Drinking While Driving"; and
WHEREAS, the foundation also donates to other nonprofit organizations, provides
tutorial services, supports local gospel concerts, drama and theater, and supports Keeping
Slidell Beautiful.
Page 1 of 2 SR NO. 91 ENROLLED
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana that
Shirley Wilkins is hereby commended for her community service in providing college
scholarships for area students and promoting awareness of the affects of drinking and
driving.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Shirley Wilkins.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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