Introduced by: Mr. Powers, Mr. Street, Mr. Bullock Date of introduction: July 28, 2015

RESOLUTION NO. 15-138

CONGRATULATIONS TO , MISS USA, FOR BEING A TOP 10 SEMIFINALIST IN THE 2015 MISS USA PAGEANT

WHEREAS, Renee Bull, age 22, resides in Middletown, Delaware, with her parents, Bishop Dwayne Bull and First Lady Sybil Bull, and her six siblings; and

WHEREAS, in 1952, a local "bathing beauty" competition spearheaded by Catalina Swimwear in Long Beach, California, transformed into an international annual tradition with countless young women around the world vying to become a part of Miss Universe history; and

WHEREAS, on November 30, 2014, Renee competed and won the 2015 USA Pageant, which gave her the opportunity to participate in the 2015 Miss USA Pageant held on July 12, 2015, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She is the second African American woman to represent Miss Delaware USA in history, chosen from 39 contestants state wide. Delaware is the only state where a contestant has never placed or received an award at a Miss USA Pageant until 2015. In 2015, Renee became the first representative from Delaware to finish in the Top 10, effectively ending the "Delaware Curse.” She also became historic by winning Miss Congeniality and becoming the first representative from Delaware to win an award; and

WHEREAS, Renee stayed focused on the goal of winning the crown while continuing her commitment to community service. She started a non-profit, “Girls2Girls,” which is designed to encourage girls between the ages of 8 to 15 to take advantage of their education and make positive choices. Renee truly lives by her motto, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition, rather in humility; value others above yourself.”

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by and for the County Council of New Castle County that County Council hereby congratulates and commends Renee Bull, Miss Delaware USA, for placing in the top 10 Semifinalists in the 2015 Miss USA Pageant and wishes her continued success in her future endeavors.

Adopted by the County Council of New Castle County on: July 28, 2015

______President of County Council of New Castle County

SYNOPSIS: Same as title. FISCAL NOTE: This resolution will have no discernible impact.