Lawmakers this month commended the successful country music career of Mississippi native Faith Hill. "Today I stand here before you with my heart filled with pride and a sense of accomplishment," Hill told members of the House and Senate. Hill spoke at the state Capitol to promote the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Center in Meridian. The center is expected to cost about $55 million, with funding sought from a variety of sources, including state support. Hill left Mississippi at age 19 to move to Nashville and pursue her career. In 1993, Hill's debut single "Wild One" spent four weeks at No. 1 on the country music charts. Hill, a native of Star, has sold nearly 30 million records worldwide. "We honor you as we do astronauts and ambassadors because you truly are an ambassador of this state," said House Speaker Billy McCoy, D-Rienzi. Hill's appearance at the Capitol marked the second in as many weeks by a Mississippian who's made it big in the music industry. Blues great B.B. King was honored last week by legislators.

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