Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Deuntae Sheard, a dedicated student, who is making the difference in his community.

Deuntae Sheard was born in Jackson, MS, on May 23, 1993, to the proud parents of Freddie and Elaine Sheard. Elaine is a headstart teacher and Freddie is a deputy for the local sheriff's department. Deuntae is the youngest of three children, Freddie Jr. and Spartel.

Deuntae was raised in Lexington, MS. He went to Lexington Elementary School (LES) and Jacob J. McClain High School and graduated in the top 10 from both schools. He is currently a student at Jackson State University, majoring in mathematics. His goal is to become a math teacher.

While growing up, Deuntae had a desire to teach children, probably because his mother has been a teacher all his life. He became certain in his senior year in high school that he could teach children. During high school, Deuntae joined a group called TATU (Teens Against Tobacco Use). TATU is an organization that teaches students about the effects of using tobacco, the substances in tobacco, and the signs of peer pressure coming from friends and role models. It was then that Deuntae realized that he could be a good role model and that this was the key to being a good teacher and leader. Whenever he was out in the community around his peers and children, he led by example. If the smaller children wanted to play on the basketball court, he would either convince his peers to let them play on half the court or let them play with them while perhaps helping them improve their skills.

Living in the house with a teacher and a deputy taught Deuntae two important things: respect and education. Deuntae's father always told him to respect others and good things will happen and stressed to him the importance of making good grades in school. These teachings helped mold Deuntae into a respectable person and thus respecting all others.

Deuntae believes that if he had the power to help anyone he would do it. When his peers or even elementary kids asked him to help them with the classwork, he did and he was ecstatic whenever a child came back to tell him ``Thank you.''

Deuntae spent his high school summers at the Community Students Learning Center in Lexington, MS, where he got a head start on his learning before school started in August. At the center, he interacted with the children by playing games, talking with them, and helping them with their work, if asked.

Deuntae is now in his second semester as a junior at Jackson State University. He plans to come back home after graduation for a few years and help teach at one of the local schools or the Community Students Learning Center. His passion for teaching has heightened and he is anxious to start.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing a talented student, Mr. Deuntae Sheard, for his zest for teaching and making a difference in his community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Javaris Deon Rodgers, a dedicated student, who is making the difference in his community.

Javaris Deon Rodgers was born and raised in Lexington, Mississippi. He is an only child of two very wonderful parents, Andrew and Shirley Rodgers.

Javaris began school around 6 or 7 years of age. Throughout elementary school he has always had Perfect Attendance and has been on either the Dean or Principal's List. He also received the Superintendent's Award because he excelled so well in academics. He is a very active child, taking Taekwondo and playing baseball until middle school.

Javaris joined J.J. McClain Middle School Marching Band and found a real passion for it. He knew that it was something that he wanted to do long term. Throughout high school, he continued to be a part of the marching band, maintained top grades, and keep his perfect attendance record. In high school, Javaris was also a part of the Yearbook Committee and Prom Committee. During his Junior Year in high school, he received the title ``Mr. Junior'', elected Senior Class President for the following year and nominated for the Who's Who Among American Scholars. Javaris graduated in the top ten of his high school class in May of 2010 and began his journey on to college that fall. He is currently in college working on a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish at Ole Miss in Oxford, MS. He is also a member of the Alpha Phi Omega Community Service Fraternity, Tau Beta Sigma Honorary Band Service Fraternity, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Javaris still does community service in the Holmes County community during his breaks. He plans to graduate in May of 2014 with honors.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this student, Mr. Javaris Deon Rodgers, for his dedication in making a difference in his community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable student, Mr. Emanuel D. Williams.

Emanuel was born August 29, 1995 as the youngest of four children in Jackson, MS to Rev. Calvin Williams and Evg. Dorothy Williams. Though he has always participated in his church, community, and school in some form, he really began to get involved in his school and community during his freshman year. That's when he served as the Chaplain of the Student Government Association, and also the Organizer of daily inspirational services for the students at Weston's 9th Grade Academy in Greenville, MS. That same year he was elected the President of the House of Delta Youth Leadership Initiative, where he tutored a kindergarten student from Ray Brooks Elementary School in Benoit, MS, for two full school terms.

Furthermore, Emanuel was elected the Secretary of the Esquire Art and Civic Club, an organization that promotes and encourages young men to be active in their communities and recognize their civic duties. He continues to serve as Vice President, where he has adopted a local nursing home, thereby visiting and truly enjoying the great personalities of the elderly.

During his sophomore year, Emanuel became a member of the Mayor's Youth Council, a committee of local young people who serve as examples for peers. He participates in different community projects such as the annual clean up that boosts the removal of litter and supports the beautification of Greenville, MS. Emanuel is a member of SOARS (Schools Obtaining Academic Results for Success), a team of community stakeholders who discuss and strategize for the betterment of the school, community, state, and world. He also continues to make his mark in the world by volunteering in his community and local elections where he promotes the exercising of the right to vote. As a graduating senior of the class of 2013, he looks forward to attending college where he can pursue a law career advocating for education, and creating policies and laws as a public servant to make education better and affordable for all.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Emanuel D. Williams for his determination and dedication to serving others and giving back to his community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a multi-talented young lady, Miss Gabrielle Nicole Terrett.

Gabrielle Nicole Terrett is the 14 year old daughter of Dr. Andre' and Attorney Toni Terrett. She is the eldest of five and a 9th grader at Warren Central High School in Vicksburg.

Gabrielle is an all around student that has excelled in both academics and extracurricular activities. She is a member of the Warren Central Big Blue Band flute section. She also plays the violin and has performed at local nursing homes over the years. Gabrielle has received several awards including placing 1st in Jewelry in the Hobbs-Freeman Art Competion-2012, 2nd place in the Hobbs-Freeman Art competition- 2012, 2nd place in the 2013 Blacks in Government Oratorical Contest, 3rd in the 2012 NAACP essay contest, and 2nd Runner Up in the 2013 Miss Southland Pageant.

Gabrielle volunteers at the Mountain of Faith Women's Shelter Retail Store. As a volunteer she helps stock shelves, organize the store and assist customers to the store. She is very pleasant to work with and supports the Women's Shelter as often as possible. In her spare time she enjoys quiet time reading, preparing for pageants, and shopping.

She is a faithful member of Pleasant Green Baptist Church in Vicksburg, MS where she is active in Sunday school.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Miss Gabrielle Nicole Terrett for her hard work, dedication and a strong desire to achieve.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable student, Jocelyn Taylor.

Ms. Taylor is the daughter of Mr. Marlin and Mrs. Rosalind Taylor of Mound Bayou, Mississippi.

Ms. Taylor is a senior at John F. Kennedy Memorial High School in Mound Bayou, Mississippi. As a child she has been focused, outgoing and dedicated to whatever she desires to achieve. During her tenure at I.T. Montgomery Elementary School in Mound Bayou, Mississippi her endeavors were to always better herself and become more than a statistic and has carried that mindset during her journey through high school.

Ms. Taylor is active in the Future Business Leaders of America which is a non-profit organization of high school and college students as well as professional members' who primarily assist students' in transitioning in the business/entrepreneur environment. As a member she has participated in various competitions and has won numerous recognitions and awards.

Ms. Taylor is active in the Bolivar County Community Action Agency's Senior Select Program. This program gives senior high school students the opportunity to intern at various community businesses to learn professional skills and techniques and to showcase their skills, while encouraging the importance of school attendance and giving back to their respective communities. I have had the honor of having her intern in my Mound Bayou District Office and found her to be a dedicated and outstanding intern and volunteer.

Ms. Taylor strives to be a positive example for her two younger siblings Joshua and Jordan. She credits her parents for their influence in her life as they encourage her to reach her full potential. Her late grandmother, Ms. Mary Alice Sinclair, was an inspiration in her life and gave her great tips on life and how to survive as a young lady.

Ms. Taylor has received numerous educational certificates and awards. Upon graduating in May 2013, she will further her education at Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi to pursue a degree in Business Administration and become an entrepreneur.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Jocelyn Taylor for her dedication in being an outstanding student.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a public servant, who is no stranger to hard work, Mr. John Williams, Sr.

John Williams, Sr. is a lifelong resident of Rolling Fork, Mississippi and was born on July 15, 1953 to David and Mary Brown. He is a graduate of Henry Weathers High School located in Rolling Fork,

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable student, Ms. Markeisha S. Robinson.

In May 2012, Markeisha received her high school diploma as an Honor Graduate from Greenville Weston High School, in Greenville, MS. Additionally, she was crowned Miss Kappa Alpha Psi 2012-2013. During her senior year, she was afforded the opportunity to complete collegiate courses. She accepted the opportunity, worked extremely hard to not only complete the advanced level courses, but to do so with a 3.89 GPA. The fruit of her labor paid off, when she arrived at Jackson State University (JSU) with eighteen hours, being classified as a second semester freshman.

Although brief, Markeisha's tenure at JSU has been filled with challenges, successes and retrospect. She has come to appreciate the results of hard work. She joined MADDRAMA, a JSU performing arts group. The rigors of preparation and rehearsals coupled with determination and drive have proven to be her foundation.

Markeisha is a sophomore and Dean's List Scholar from Greenville, Mississippi. She is a public speaker majoring in Communicative Disorders. Upon completion of her degree, she plans to become a speech pathologist providing tips, techniques and skills to enable the speech impaired to overcome such disorders through individualized sessions at her private practice.

As a student, her strengths are dedication and determination. She is dedicated to her class work and extracurricular activities. Also, she is determined to reach her goals, graduate from college in three years, and continue her education by pursuing a Master's Degree in Speech Pathology.

Markeisha is a very optimistic person. Her favorite scripture in The Bible is ``Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Markeisha S. Robinson for her determination and dedication to serving others and giving back to her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a challenge-oriented young man who understands that it takes tenacity and self reliance to reach the highest success, Mr. Chester H. Sanford.

Chester H. Sanford was born November 26, 1995 in Chicago, IL, to the proud parents of Travis and Nora Stanford. He attended St. Elizabeth Catholic School in Chicago, IL, for two years, kindergarten and first grade. It was at this institution that he credits for giving him an advanced perspective of what knowledge is and what can be done to obtain it.

In September 2003 Chester and his mother relocated to Vicksburg, MS to care for his grandmother. Chester believes the responsibility of caring for his grandmother in the absence of his mother is what taught him the value in giving and caring for others.

Chester is a member of the The Vicksburg High School JROTC in which he credits for molding his character. Chester has climbed the ranks in JROTC: starting his freshmen year he went from being a cadet private to cadet corporal. In his sophomore year he progressed from cadet corporal to cadet second lieutenant and gained the position of the battalion training officer; and currently during his junior year he has climbed to cadet captain from cadet second lieutenant. Through this program Chester has learned what service truly is. He has led several community projects at nursing homes, the elementary schools, community outreach events. He has also participated in charity events for the local Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Center through the culinary arts program, in which he, along with twenty other students prepared thousands of hot meals that were sold to gain money for the organization.

Chester credits his mother for being the backbone of the family and directing his path. His motto is, ``that all things can be done through the love and service of your fellow man.''

Chester is a member of Mt. Carmel M.B. Church where he has served as secretary of the Sunday School Department since 2008 and in 2011 became a Sunday School Teacher.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Chester H. Stanford for his hard work, dedication and a strong desire to achieve through adversity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable student, Antwanette Keys. Ms. Keys is the daughter of Ms. Thelma West of Shelby, Mississippi and Mr. Alex McRae of Rosedale, Mississippi.

She began school at an early age, attending the Shelby Head Start Center in Shelby, Mississippi from 1998-2000. Noticeably excelling, she was promoted to elementary school in 2001 attending Brooks Elementary in Duncan, Mississippi. She quickly found a place inside her new school by becoming a member of the Girl Scouts Club.

In 2004 she had to adapt to a different kind a school, Shelby Middle School. At Shelby Middle School she held numerous titles including: Miss Fourth Grade, Miss Seventh Grade, and Miss Shelby Middle School. While upholding these titles she remained academically successful maintaining all A's and B's. Middle school had definitely paved the way for her new found interest in dance. A lifelong passion, she has diligently sought the strength to go above and beyond with the talent that God has blessed her with.

Performing a wide range of dances, she can choreograph anything from Jazz to Hip Hop to Contemporary. Being taught by the best has instilled in her the ability to always strive for the best. In doing so, she swiftly walked the halls of Broad Street High School with an upright attitude and focal point based on success. Knowing that her work never stops, she became Freshman Class President in 2009 followed by Miss Homecoming in 2010. Determined to create a positive image she became Miss Student Council in 2011 and went on to achieve her biggest accomplishment, Miss Broad Street High. She was a member of the Broad Street High School Marching Band for four years and member of D.R.E.A.M.S. Step team. She is a member of the National Technical Honor Society and the Student Council at Broad Street High School.

Antwanette works for the Bolivar Community Action Senior Select Program, which assists high school seniors in finding work while encouraging school attendance and community service. She has also worked for Peer Power for 3 years. This is a program dedicated to providing after school tutorials and enrichment activities for young scholars.

Antwanette currently attends Christian Union Missionary Baptist Church in Drew, Mississippi where she boldly embraces her faith as a Christian. She is active in the Youth Choir, a member of the CUC Praise team and secretary of Sunday School Department.

Antwanette is a mentee in a program through Coahoma Community College Tri-County Workforce Alliance in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Since community service is essential to her, in 2010 she and other students participated in Students Involved for Community Change summer school. It is a highly selective summer leadership program focusing on civil rights, community organization, and educational advancement. Upon graduating, she plans to further her education and major in nursing to become a Registered Nurse. After completing nursing school she will pursue medical school to become a Gynecologist.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Antwanette Keys for her dedication in being an outstanding student.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. A'Mya Ireanna Davis, who is a remarkable student that is making a difference in her community.

A'Mya Ireanna Davis, a Crystal Springs, MS native, is the daughter of Mr. Roderick and Monica Davis. She is the eldest of two siblings, Malik Jones and Eunicesia Jones.

A'Mya is a ninth grade honor student at Crystal Springs High School where she serves as President of the Freshman Class. Known as a busy- body, A'mya is very active in her school, church, and community. She is a member of the Crystal Springs High School Band, the Soccer team, the Track and Field team, Student Council, the Drama Club, a member of My Sister's Keeper, an Usher, member of the church choir at Brushy Creek MB Church and serves as Youth Secretary and Treasurer for the Fran's Branch New Hope Sunday School Institute.

A'Mya is very passionate about her city and community. In 2012, she became the youngest person to serve on the Crystal Springs Mayor's Youth Council. While on the Council, she was involved in community organizing, performing at youth summits and serving as a representative for the youth in Crystal Springs at state-wide leadership conferences. Throughout all of her accomplishments at the very tender age of 14, A'Mya is a normal teen who loves to sing, dance, write music and poetry, and recite speeches. After high school, A'mya plans on attending Harvard University to become a prominent attorney.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing an energetic and dedicated student, Ms. A'Mya Ireanna Davis, for her determination to make a difference in the Crystal Springs community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a future leader of this country, she is currently a student making a

difference in her school and hometown of West Tallahatchie High School, Ms. Alkeira Gooch.

Throughout her life, Alkeira says she has been nothing less than determined to succeed and I quote her, ``I was only given one life to live, to not take chances, accomplish the impossible, and take advantage of everything that is available to me.'' You see, sometimes things that are not so good can be great inspirations. Alkeira lives in a community that is limited in resources and opportunities.

So, let me share with you why Alkeira is a student making a difference. In school she is involved in many organizations that reach out to others. She participates in a group that reads to younger children and donates gifts during Christmas. Alkeira is a member of the Student Government Association, Future Business Leaders of America, and the Senior Beta Club. In her evening hours she makes time to tutor other students and volunteers at the local community center. Alkeira's well rounded participation has given her the experience that will help her become that future leader and pediatrician she wants to be.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Alkeira Gooch for her current active role as a student making a difference.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable civil servant, Mayor Willie James Jones. The Honorable Mayor Willie J. Jones is a resident of Coahoma, Mississippi and he is affectionately known to many as Mayor W.J. Jones.

He has devoted his entire adult life providing selfless service, energy and resources to ensure that others fare well. When Mayor Jones initially came to the tiny town of Coahoma, Mississippi, many of its residents lived in two room shacks with no indoor plumbing. As Mayor of the town of Coahoma since 1981, and one of the longest running tenures in the State of Mississippi, he has launched multiple efforts to improve the living conditions of its residents and revitalize the community. Under his leadership and armed with the motto of ``Go and Grow'', the community began to change. Today, with a cadre consisting of concerned World Vision, Habitat for Humanity, and volunteer residents, over half the town's families now live in HUD approved two, three, or four bedroom homes.

Mayor Jones skillfully led a coalition composed of Coahoma Utilities, Coahoma Community Development Corporation, and Coahoma Habitat for Humanity to pull the community together. In addition, through Mayor Jones' lobbying efforts, the Town of Coahoma has been the beneficiary of federal funding for a sewage system to replace open sewers and a well and water tank to improve its drinking supply. Because of these efforts, Mayor Jones has been honored by the Mississippi Conference of Black Mayors.

In addition to improving the living conditions of the town, Mayor Jones has a dedicated interest in the education of all. After graduating Rust College in 1954 and serving two years in the U.S. Army, Mayor Jones and his wife, Vivian Virginia Moore, moved to the Mississippi Delta and worked in the Coahoma County School system for 40 years before retiring in 1996. He has a vested interest in education. In 1956, he was among those fighting for equal salaries for all educators, for equal school funding and for equal treatment in use of public facilities.

While serving as principal of Hull Elementary and Jonestown Middle Schools he saw that all students were clothed and fed in addition to receiving an education. For his contributions toward making the 1966 merger of the National Education Association (NEA) and the Black American Teachers Association a success, Jones was recognized in 2006 at the 40 Year Merger Anniversary Celebration. On the college level he promotes access to higher education for students of all ethnicities. He received the 1990 Rust College Alumnus of the Year and has received annual Outstanding Contribution Appreciation Awards at his alma mater since 1997.

In 1996, as an educator, human and civil rights activist, Jones was among only a dozen veteran educators recognized nationwide and honored by the National Education Association at its annual Human and Civil Rights dinner. He was presented the H. Council Trenholm Memorial Award for his efforts to free the education system of inequities based on race and his leadership in advancing intergroup understanding within the education profession. On the state level the Mississippi Association of Educators (MAE) has presented him with the Lifetime Achievement Award, the MAE Humanized Education Award and the 1996 Member of the Year Award.

Through the years as a community servant, Mayor Jones has served as Chairman of Diversified March of Dimes, Chairman and Member of the Board of Directors of Coahoma Opportunities, Inc., President of Third District Teachers Association and North Delta Uniserv-MAE, and Representative of the Board Scouts of America. He is also affiliated with NAACP; Tri-County Workforce Alliance Board of Directors, Mississippi Delta Council for Farm Workers, Inc., local, state and national education associations, the Mississippi Conference of Black Mayors, the National Conference of Black Mayors, the Mississippi Municipal League, and the Mississippi Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials.

Despite his many achievements, affiliations and recognition, Mayor Jones' focus remains the town of Coahoma. He is currently working on a drainage and street improvement project with federal and state support. He believes that the largest room in the world is the room of improvement and is continuously seeking ways and funds to improve the quality of life for his citizens in all areas--educationally, economically and socially.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mayor W.J. Jones for his dedication to serving others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable Civil Rights leader Dr. Elaine Baker. Dr. Baker is a resident of Mound Bayou, Mississippi.

She is the only child to the late Joseph and Louise Marjorie Baker. She was born on June 30, 1949 in the historical independent black community of Mound Bayou, Mississippi, which was founded in 1887 by former slaves led by Isaiah Montgomery. Growing up in this community she was nurtured by a community of proud, loving and generous elders and peers and teachers.

She was influenced by a socio-cultural environment in Mound Bayou that had great expectations and surrounding communities that communicated messages of dual citizenship for people who looked like her. For example, the separate waiting room in the doctor's office in Merigold in stark contrast to the openness of Friendship Clinic in Mound Bayou. The ``colored only'' water fountains in Cleveland spoke a deafening sound of discrimination. And the ``colored only'' bathrooms in Clarksdale, which reinforced that something was not right.

The violent death of Emmett Till, as memorialized in the Jet magazine photo story remains indelibly etched in the forefront of her reality that danger could be lurking anywhere for people who looked like her. The news stories about bombings and lynchings and murders and arrests that Jet, Ebony and other Afro-American news media carried either in print or through audio media brought home the chilling messages of ``less than'' and ``more than'' solely, it seemed, based on skin color. These incidents and family discussions let her know that she could not sit back and not become an advocate for change.

The importance of education was always at the forefront of discussions in her home. Her grandmother, with an elementary education reminded her to get an education. She told her with an education it will matter how you look or what you have or don't have, you'll know.'' Her mother, a 1944 graduate of Bolivar County Training School, was an avid reader and teacher. Both of these women set the reading example for her--whether it was the Bible, various news media, or other options including the catalogs. From Mound Bayou to Tougaloo College the meaning of civil rights took on very significant meanings. Those meanings led her to Brown University where she was a semester exchange student from Tougaloo to Atlanta University now known as the Whitney M. Young School of Social Work to the University of Georgia. There she was exposed to socio-economic and racial divides that urged her into action and she became part of change.

Her love of people and a desire to understand human behavior in the social environment underpinned her selected academic majors: Sociology at Tougaloo College where she was a B.A., Cum Laude graduate, earned a Master of Social Work and Public Administration Ph.D., with emphasis in Organization Development, Health Resources Administration and General Public Administration. Her involvement in community-based organizations was transformative in focus and diverse in the individuals engaged.

She knows life is the gift that keeps on giving and memories of civil engagement include Fannie Lou Hamer, Unita Blackwell, Marian Wright Edelman, and many others. She believes that what she has been gifted which is not hers to keep. She is truly an advocate for change.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Elaine Baker for her dedication to civil rights.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable Civil Servant, Dr. Juniper Yates Trice. Dr. Juniper Trice is a resident of Rosedale, Mississippi and has been an exceptional and inspirational figure in the City of Rosedale. He has devoted his life to community service and community development. He is affectionately known to many as Dr. J.Y. Trice.

Throughout the course of his career, Dr. Trice contributed to job creation as Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Bolivar County Council on Aging which provides transportation services to rural residents. Since opening the Bolivar County Council on Aging in 1975 the organization has received national recognition from the Community Transportation Association of America, and the Mississippi Department of Public Transportation for outstanding service and leadership in serving residents of Bolivar, Sunflower, Washington and Yazoo counties. He has received numerous awards and accolades for his service to humanity.

Dr. Trice has been instrumental and a driving force in the political arena; he served as Mayor of the City of Rosedale for 16 years, and stressed to others the importance of being involved in the political process for progressive change. He has held other prestigious positions such as being the first black appointed President of the South Delta Economic Planning and Development District, and first black Chairman of the State Educational Finance Commission.

Through his dedicated work in education Dr. Trice has touched lives with his teaching abilities in Prentiss, Tishomingo, Ittawamba and Bolivar Counties School Districts; and as Assistant Superintendent in Ittawamba and Bolivar Counties School Districts. Dr. Trice has had a profound impact over the years in many people lives through his love of the Lord and as Presiding Elder over 41 churches throughout the State of Mississippi. His compassion has been a source of comfort and inspiration throughout his life's work.

He has traveled extensively throughout the United States and foreign countries promoting the State of Mississippi. Dr. Trice has been, and continues to be a tremendous gift to the people of Rosedale, Bolivar County and the State of Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my Colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. Juniper Y. Trice for his dedication to serving others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a determined and eager young man who understands it takes tenacity and self reliance to reach the highest success, Mr. De'Ontay De'Carol Jones.

De'Ontay De'Carol Jones was born May 18, 1994 in Vicksburg, MS to the proud parents of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jackson. De'Ontay was a part of the May 2012 graduating class of Warren Central High School. De'Ontay is currently enrolled at Jones County Jr. College located in Ellisville, MS.

De'Ontay understands that obtaining a good education, and community and civic involvement is the recipe for a success. While in high school De'Ontay participated in the school choir, student council, yearbook club and Future Teacher's Association.

He is a faithful and active member of Greater Grove M. B. Church where he is an usher and a member of PRIDE, Greater Grove's teen ministry. De'Ontay is also a member of the Kappa League Boy's Club. He enjoys learning about the political process and likes to participate in political campaigns.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. De'Ontay De'Carol Jones for his hard work, dedication and a strong desire to achieve.