Floor Statements

Ms. Eddie M. (Thompson) McCord was born in Lake Providence, Louisiana. She graduated from Monticello High School in 1989. She then attended and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Alcorn State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. While at Alcorn, she also joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She later graduated from the University of Mississippi with a Master of Education Degree in K-12 Educational leadership.

Ms. McCord began her career as an educator in the Vicksburg-Warren School District, teaching fifth grade. She later relocated to East Tallahatchie School District and served as a teacher of first and second grade students and eventually the assistant principal. The desire for professional growth then led her to West Tallahatchie School District where she served as Assistant Principal of R.H. Bearden Elementary School for three years and later became the Principal. After serving as the Principal at R.H. Bearden, she became the Principal at West Tallahatchie High School for two years. Currently, she is the Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment for the West Tallahatchie School District.

Ms. McCord has been an asset to the West Tallahatchie School District because of the relationships she has developed with local stakeholders and throughout Tallahatchie County serving in various capacities in both West Tallahatchie School District and East Tallahatchie School District. She has been involved in initiatives and partnerships that have been critical to meeting the educational needs of school-age children in surrounding communities. These partnerships include collaborative professional development sessions between elementary school teachers and Head Start teachers. As a result of this collaboration, more students are entering kindergarten ready to learn at the necessary academic level. Additionally, she was instrumental in securing the district in-house GED Option Program which assists students who have academic deficiencies in meeting the requirements necessary for obtaining their general education diploma.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a gospel singing group, The Christian Harmonizers. They were organized in the late 1980s by Jerome Williams along with Bobby Bailey and Ellison Brown.

The group began to grow over the years, adding such singers as Thomas Murray, Larry Thompson, Jerry Davis, Ronnie Polk, Calvin Harris, Frank McGriggs, Jr., Xavier Hampton, Frank Curtis, Maurice Buck, and the late Sherman King, Sr., who sang with the group for over 22 years, and Antoine Eakins, who sang with them for over 17 years. The current members of the group are Elder Frank Curtis, Elder Antoine Eakins, Bobby Bailey, and of course, the founder and organizer, Jerome Williams. In the earlier years, the late Walter Griffin and the late Robert Moore served as the group's teachers and advisors.

In 1988, the Christian Harmonizers recorded popular songs such as ``Consideration'' and ``Don't Doubt the Lord'' which were penned by Jerome Williams. Their current album is ``30 Years Live'' which is comprised of 10 songs and features two of Williams' originals: ``Someday'' and ``Grateful.'' The remaining tracks of the album were rearranged by Jerome Williams.

The Harmonizers are known worldwide for their performances and have shared the stage with such great gospel artists as: Lucille Polk & Pearly Gates, the Jackson Southernaires, The Angelic Gospel Singers, The Swanee Quintet, the Sensational Nightingales, Debra Snipes, Ronica & The Blazing Stars, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Willie Banks & The Messengers, the Canton Spirituals, and Gold City.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring The Christian Harmonizers, a Mississippi gospel singing group.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3857, the Public Transit Security and Local Law Enforcement Support Act, and I yield myself such time as I may consume.

As the President stated in his weekly address, the anniversary of 9/ 11 is a time to honor and commemorate first responders, the victims of the attacks, and the members of the Armed Forces serving at home and abroad. It's unfortunate that the Republican majority has decided to discontinue the House's tradition of doing just that by considering a resolution honoring the fallen and commending our Nation's bravest on this date.

For years, majority leaders of both parties have introduced and scheduled consideration of a 9/11 resolution. Surely, if the House has the time to consider the 32 bills scheduled for consideration on the suspension calendar this week, it has the time to commemorate our Nation's first responders, the victims of 9/11, and our troops by considering a resolution doing just that.

Even if some politicians would prefer not to mention it, our Nation is still at war with Afghanistan. Our troops are still in harm's way, a half a world away, fighting a war that was the direct result of the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Accordingly, I would urge the Republican leadership of the House to reconsider their decision to forego consideration of a 9/11 resolution this day.

As to the legislation under consideration today, I support this bill that, thanks to an amendment offered by Representative Jackson Lee during committee consideration, authorizes $400 million for the Transit Security Grant Program. The Transit Security Grant Program provides funds to State and local jurisdictions that need help keeping their transportation systems secure.

As State and local budgets continue to face the strain of recovering from the economic collapse that occurred during the previous administration, we have a responsibility to ensure that they have the funding needed to build and sustain the capacity to protect against a terrorist attack. As amended, H.R. 3857 does just that.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as she may consume to the gentlelady from Houston, Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, on this day, above all others, we turn our thoughts to those who were lost in the tragic events of 9/11. It is unfortunate that the Republican leadership of the House has decided not to continue this body's tradition of considering a resolution to commemorate first responders, the victims of the attack, and members of the Armed Forces serving at home and abroad.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in calling for the consideration of a 9/11 resolution, and in support of H.R. 3857. H.R. 3857 authorizes funds critical to ensuring our Nation's transportation systems are secure. It does so to the tune of $400 million, dollars that State and local jurisdictions desperately need.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6028, the No-Hassle Flying Act of 2012, and yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, while I support the legislation we are considering today, I'm concerned that on this, the anniversary of the terrorist attack of September 11, we are not considering a bipartisan package of legislation.

On this day, 11 years ago, our country was attacked and came together like never before to face the immense challenges of rebuilding and restructuring our security systems. With the creation of the 9/11 Commission, the Transportation Security Administration and, ultimately, the Department of Homeland Security, we demonstrated that homeland security is an American issue, not a partisan one.

Why then, I must ask, are we not considering a bipartisan package of legislative proposals that have previously received the unanimous support of the Committee on Homeland Security?

Why is this bill, which never received committee consideration, being put on the House floor ahead of H.R. 1165, the Transportation Security Administration Ombudsman Act? That bill, introduced by Representative Jackson Lee, received the unanimous support of the Committee on Homeland Security. Despite that, it has sat idle on the Union Calendar for over 10 months.

Why are we not considering H.R. 6328, a thoughtful proposal introduced by Representative Hochul that would require TSA to transfer unclaimed clothing found at security checkpoints to veterans in need? With the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that were fought in the aftermath of 9/11 over and coming to an end, respectively, I could think of no more appropriate legislation for this body to consider today than a bill aimed at supporting our veterans.

Mr. Speaker, I support the bill we are considering today because it is a commonsense proposal that will make air travel more convenient for a select few and has the potential to enhance efficiencies. When we can eliminate duplicative screening without compromising security, I will lend my support.

Accordingly, I support this legislation that the Obama administration proposed and the gentleman from Illinois, Representative Walsh introduced.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield for as much time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers. If the gentleman from Illinois has no more speakers, then I am prepared to close.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, on this day above all others, we turn our thoughts to those who were lost in the tragic events of 9/11. It is unfortunate that the House has missed the opportunity today to consider noncontroversial Homeland Security legislation introduced by both Democrats and Republicans, thus showing that on 9/11 we put partisan politics aside and focused on doing the right thing.

Before closing, I would like to extend my congratulations to the gentleman from Illinois, Representative Walsh, for having bills on the floor for consideration for the first time today. I suspect that he is as surprised as I am that one of his first bills to reach the floor was proposed to Congress by the Obama administration.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I urge the passage of this proposal from the Obama administration, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable 22-year-old young man from Shaw, Mississippi. Jacques Alexander Marquis Matthews has answered the call of duty to his country and is currently serving as an active soldier in the Mississippi National Guard stationed in Afghanistan.

Specialist Matthews comes from a lineage filled with military servicemen and women. His paternal grandfather, Mr. William Carter, is a Vietnam Veteran who served in the United States Air Force; his maternal uncle, Mr. James Attaway, served in the United States Marines; and his mother, Ramona Matthews, had just enlisted in the United States Army when she learned she was pregnant with her first child, Jacques.

Specialist Matthews was raised in a single parent home by his mother, Ramona, along with his two younger brothers, Chauncey and Malik. Specialist Matthews understood the pain of his mother as she struggled to provide for them and the reproach of his grandparents, William and Alicestean Carter and Susie Matthews. As his mother's oldest child, much was expected of him and he wanted to fulfill those expectations. But like many other young men, what appears to be quick and easy was tempting. And sometimes he was prey to those temptations. In fact he said and I quote, ``my mother was more determined than me--for me to succeed. So, she snatched me from that wrong path and told me my life had three paths it could take and I had to choose one right then, college, military, or she was going to commit a homicide and that's all I needed to know. Needless to say, I chose the military.''

Mr. Speaker, Specialist Matthews has a litany of highlights during his military career including:

2008 Year. Specialist Matthews enlisted in the Mississippi National Guard.

August 2008-October 2008. Specialist Matthews did his basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

October 2008. Specialist Matthews completed his basic training. He was recognized during graduation for having scored a perfect 300 on the physical fitness portion of the training.

July 10, 2010-July 31, 2010. Specialist Matthews was a member of the 2089th Vertical Company, 223rd Engineer Battalion. He received the Army Achievement Medal for his Superior and Unflagging Support of his unit.

November 6, 2010. Specialist Matthews was honored with the Commanders Award for scoring 297 on the Annual Army Physical Fitness Test while he was a member of the 223rd Engineer Battalion.

November 7, 2010. Specialist Matthews while in the 168th Engineer Brigade received the Silver Castle Challenge Certificate of Achievement for having completed the Army Physical Fitness test with a score of 297. He was recognized for distinguishing himself by his excellent conditioning. He is truly to be commended for the accomplishment and deserving of the recognition for his sacrifice and self-discipline.

May 2011. Specialist Matthews was in the 2089th Vertical Construction Company when he was honored with the Army Meritorious Achievement Medal for his selfish service, loyalty and honor, dedication and integrity as an example for all to follow for his significant contribution to the success of his unit and the Mississippi Army National Guard.

October 2011-November 2011. Specialist Matthews received the Meritorious Service Award in recognition of his superior physical ability during the annual training while assigned to Detachment 1 of the 2089th Vertical Construction Company.

May 7, 2012. Specialist Matthews' unit, the 289th Vertical Construction Company, 223rd Engineer Battalion was activated to Afghanistan.

I want Specialist Matthews' story to serve as a one of encouragement to those who think there is no hope for change and to those who prejudge someone because of their circumstances. Specialist Matthews has expressed great interest in building an exciting career in the military answering the call at home and abroad whenever and wherever he is needed.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Specialist Jacques Alexander Marquis Matthews, from the Second Congressional District of Mississippi, now serving as a member of the Mississippi National Guard currently stationed in Afghanistan. As he so proudly represents the United States, I too am proud to represent him as a Member of Congress. I wish him a continued rewarding military career and a safe return home to the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Dr. Beverly Wade Hogan. She was appointed as President of Tougaloo College in May 2002.

Prior to being appointed as President of Tougaloo College in 2002, Dr. Hogan served in many capacities at the College. She was the College's interim president, vice president for Institutional Advancement, founding director of the Owens Health and Wellness Center, and executive assistant to the president. She served for ten years as the commissioner for the Mississippi Workers' Compensation Commission, four years as the executive director of the Governor's Office of Federal-State Programs, nine years as the executive director of the Mental Health Association in Hinds County and the state of Mississippi, respectively. She was once the adjunct instructor in Public Policy at Jackson State University and a frequent guest lecturer at the University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University. Additionally, Dr. Hogan has been involved with employment and educational training programs in Denmark, Sweden, and West Germany in affiliation with the German Marshall Fund. Dr. Hogan has also been a scholar with the Kettering Foundation where her research focus was on Higher Education and Civic Responsibility, in addition to being a participant and presenter in the Oxford Roundtable at Oxford University in Oxford, England.

Dr. Hogan holds the Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Tougaloo College and a Master's in Public Policy and Administration from Jackson State University. Dr. Hogan has continued her own education by pursuing additional studies at the University of Southern Mississippi and the University of Georgia. Dr. Hogan is currently furthering her education by pursuing her Doctoral Degree in Human Development and Organizational Leadership at Fielding Graduate University. She currently holds an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities from Wiley College in Texas and Rust College in Mississippi. In addition to this, she has also earned numerous certificates in leadership development, organizational management, policy development, health and human resources management, alcohol and drug studies, urban development and administrative law.

Dr. Hogan has also been credited with pioneering programs that have improved the quality of life for many citizens, including but not limited to the founding of the first psychiatric halfway house in Mississippi, establishing the first rape crisis center and shelter for battered women, and initiating the state's Self Employment Demonstration Project to reduce welfare dependency and the Rental Rehabilitation and Low Income Tax Credit Programs to increase the availability of housing for low income families.

As a woman dedicated to her community, Dr. Hogan volunteers and serves on various boards, including the community advisory board for Bancorp South, the Metro Chamber of Commerce, the University Club, and the Board of Visitors for the School of Dentistry at the University of Mississippi. She also serves on the local board for Entergy Mississippi, Sanderson Farm, the Regional Commission on Building Philanthropy, the national board of directors for the United Negro College Fund, the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education and the Brown University Leadership Alliance. She presently serves as the Chairperson of the Foundation for the Mid-South Board of Directors, and is a founding member and former president of the Central Mississippi Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women. Dr. Hogan is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the Links.

Dr. Hogan is a current member of the Mt. Wade Missionary Baptist Church in Terry, Mississippi and is a regular worshipper at the Union Church of Christ/Woodworth Chapel at Tougaloo College.

She is married to Marvin Hogan and they have two sons, Maurice and Marcellus; two grandsons, Marsei and Tai'Micah; and two granddaughters, Emani and Liyah.

Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. Beverly W. Hogan for her dedication to serving others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the honorable Mr. William Raspberry. Mr. Raspberry was born on October 12, 1935 to proud parents Mr. James Lee

and Mrs. Willie Mae Raspberry. A native of Okolona, Mississippi, Mr. Raspberry has become a celebrated writer as a result of his commentary on social and political issues.

Mr. Raspberry received his Bachelor's of Science Degree from Indiana Central College, now known as The University of Indianapolis, in 1958. After receiving his degree, he served as a public information officer with the United States Army from 1960 until 1962 at which time he began working at the Washington Post as a teletypist. In 1966, he was named as a columnist for the Washington Post. As a result to his exemplary contributions in literature, Mr. Raspberry was first nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in 1982 prior to receiving the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1994.

Through his work with the Washington Post, Mr. Raspberry has dictated his strong opinions about the problems in American society. He has been noted for often writing about education, criminal justice, family, and racial matters in America. As a principal opinion on these particular issues, Mr. Raspberry has often been quoted in many different publications and has also been asked to speak at various conferences and seminars.

In addition to providing a weekly column in the Washington Post, Mr. Raspberry has also served in other capacities throughout his lifetime. He served as a journalism instructor at Howard University from 1971- 1973; Member of the Board of Advisers, Poynter Institute for Media Studies, 1984; Member of the Board of Visitors, University of Maryland School of Journalism, 1985; television commentator for WTTG, Washington, DC, 1973-1975; Television Discussion Panelist, WRC-TV, Washington, DC, 1974-1975, and a Member of the Pulitzer Prize Board, 1979-1986. As of 2008, Mr. Raspberry has also served as the President of ``Baby Steps'', a parent training and empowerment program based in Okolona, Mississippi. He is also the author of Looking Backward at Us, a collection of his columns from the 1980s.

Mr. Raspberry has also received honorary degrees from Georgetown University, University of Maryland, and the University of Indianapolis; he received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Colby College. He was also the Knight Professor of the Practice of Communications and Journalism at the Sanford Institute of Public Policy at Duke University. During his career, Mr. Raspberry has also served as a member of the National Association of Black Journalists, Capitol Press Club, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated.

On November 12, 1966, Mr. Raspberry married Sondra Patricia Dodson and together they had three children, Patricia, Angela, and Mark.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. G. Torrie Jackson, Jr. He is a native of Jackson, Mississippi, and was born on October 11, 1968 to George T. Jackson, Sr. and the late Emma J. McDonald Jackson.

Mr. Jackson holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Master's Degree in Education Administration from Jackson State University. Currently, Mr. Jackson is pursuing a Doctoral Degree in Elementary, Middle, and Secondary Education Administration from Mississippi State University.

As an educator, Mr. Jackson taught social studies and coached for 8 years prior to moving on to the Mississippi Department of Education where he worked as an Education Specialist Senior in the Bureau of Evaluation and Enhancement. Administratively, Mr. Jackson served 3 years as Assistant Principal in the Canton Public School District, 2 years as Principal in the Holmes County School District, and 4 years in the Copiah County School District where he currently serves as principal of Crystal Springs High School.

Mr. Jackson's passion for education comes from his parents and grandparents. His parents have dedicated over 60 years to the educational system in their community. Mr. Jackson's motto is, ``Education First! Students Always!'' His desire is that all students perform to their highest potential and become productive members of society.

He is married to Dr. Debra Mays-Jackson, principal of Forest Hill High School. They live together in Terry, MS, along with their two sons Cameron, 14 years of age and Kendall, 11 years of age. Mr. Jackson has a strong Christian faith and seeks the Lord's guidance in every facet of his life. He believes that if it's God's will anything is possible.

Mr. Jackson is a 24-year member of the U.S. Army Reserve/Mississippi Army National Guard, veteran of Operation Iraq Freedom, and also currently serves as the Executive Officer of the 8th/108th Transportation Battalion in Jackson, Mississippi where he holds the rank of Major. His Civic/Professional Organizations and Honors include: National Association Secondary School Principals, Mississippi Professional Educators, United States Army Officer Association, U.S. Army Commendation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, and the U.S. Army Achievement Medal of Meritorious Service.

Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. G. Torrie Jackson, Jr. for his unwavering dedication to our country and the children of the State of Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. De'Una Wilson, the 2012 Valedictorian at Canton High School, in Canton, Mississippi. De'Una is the daughter of Mr. Derreco, Sr. and Ms. Regenia Wilson. She was born and raised in Canton and attends Canton United Methodist Church.

De'Una's accomplishments can be greatly attributed to her desire to fulfill her grandmother's dying wish for her to graduate at the top of her class. To achieve this, De'Una dedicated herself to her academics and completed her senior year with an ``A'' average, earning her the merit of Class Valedictorian. In addition to her academics, De'Una has remained active in her community by volunteering at the Open Door Community Outreach Center at Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Canton, and working a part-time job.

De'Una has been accepted into the Engineering Program at Jackson State University where she earned a full scholarship.

Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. De'Una Wilson in being Valedictorian of Canton High School's 2012 graduating class.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Katherine Tankson. Katherine has shown what can be done through tenacity, dedication and a desire to serve others.

Katherine Tankson is a native of Sharkey County and resides in Rolling Fork, Mississippi. She has served in the educational arena for a total of 42 years. This included 12 years in the South Delta School District as a classroom teacher and 19 years as an administrator, before her first retirement in December of 2000. The South Delta School District is located in the Mississippi Delta and serves the students of Sharkey and Issaquena Counties with a present enrollment of 988 students.

Upon receiving her Bachelor's of Science Degree in Business Education from Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, MS in 1969, her only desire was to return to her hometown to teach with the goal of helping to make a difference in the lives of children. Mrs. Tankson has received two master's degrees. She has a Master's Degree in English from Jackson State University, in Jackson, MS, and her second Master's Degree is in Education Administration and Supervision from Delta State University in Cleveland, MS.

During her tenure with South Delta School District, she served as the auditor in the district for the International Curriculum Management Audit Center, Inc., located in Huxley, Iowa. In that position she conducted curriculum management audits in school districts in the Bermuda territory of the United Kingdom, also on the United States in the States of Georgia and California. She was appointed by the Mississippi Department of Education to serve as auditor throughout the State in various schools selected by the State.

In January 2001, she was employed with the Mississippi Department of Education as Project Director for the Technology Academy for School Leaders (TASL) until June 2004. As the director she worked with superintendents, principals, and other administrators across the State in the areas of technology and curriculum development.

In July 2006, she returned to the South Delta School District where she currently serves as Superintendent. Under her leadership, significant progress has been made in changing the culture of the district and the schools. An increase in necessary resources critical to the success of being effective teachers, administrators, and instructional leaders has flourished in the district. As a result the district and schools have seen significant increases in student achievement, and improvements in classroom delivery and instruction through the use of 21st century technology. The district has also undergone $4 million dollars in renovation at the South Delta High School which has produced a by-product of improved parent and community involvement to say the least.

Mrs. Tankson's career in education is long standing--after 31 years, retiring in 2000, she came out of retirement and gave 11 more years to educating and leading before retiring again June 30, 2012. Those 11 more years give her that grand total of 42 years in education, which is worthy of recognition. She is still an active member of numerous educational organizations.

Although she has left her footprints through schools in various States in the U.S. including the Bermuda territory, her love for Mississippi is where she started and ended her career. Providing the students of the South Delta School District in Rolling Fork, MS with a quality education is her passion. Her contribution to education will be forever appreciated for the countless number of students she has touched guiding them to the path of success. She has not only had a positive impact on students but also parents, teachers, and even community members, and for that too she will be appreciated.

She married her high school sweetheart, James Tankson, a retired educator of 40 years, and they have three beautiful daughters, Dr. Jeanetta Denise Tankson, Dr. Janice Valencia Tankson, and Ms. Jamie Alicia Tankson-Cunningham who is also aspiring to acquire her doctoral degree in education. Her son-in-law, Rev. Therman Cunningham, Jr. is currently working toward a doctoral degree in theology. Mrs. Tankson also has two precious, loving granddaughters--Trinity Alicia Cunningham and Taylor LeAnn Cunningham.

Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Katherine Tankson for her passion and dedication to the South Delta School District in Rolling Fork, MS.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Shawanda LaShell Allen. Shawanda LaShell Allen was born in Hazlehurst, Mississippi to the proud parents of Glenda Johnson and Anthony Allen.

Throughout her years in school, Shawanda remained dedicated to her academics and extracurricular activities. She received the highest academic average of her class for the 2011-2012 school year in advanced placement English Literature and Composition, Calculus, United States Government, and Accounting. In addition to this, Shawanda was inducted into the Crystal Springs High School Hall of Fame; received the Student Council Leadership Award; and the U.S. Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award. Ms. Allen was also awarded the following scholarships-- Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, LP, the United States Achievement Academy, Workforce Investment Area Transition, and University of Southern Mississippi Leadership Scholarships.

Shawanda also participated in the Student Council, Beta Club, SADD Club, Mu Alpha Theta Club, Theater Club-Tigers Actin' Up, and played on the soccer, softball, and track/field teams. She is a faithful member of Clear Creek Missionary Baptist Church where she is a part of the Feeding Ministry and Nursing Home Ministry.

In 2012, Shawanda graduated from Crystal Springs High School with honors. In the fall, she plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi and pursue a degree in Accounting.

Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Shawanda LaShell Allen for her hard work, dedication and a strong desire to achieve.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a remarkable young woman, Ms. Wairterrica Galmore, the Valedictorian of Coahoma Agricultural High School Class of 2012. Wairterrica is the proud daughter of Latoya Reddick and Eric Galmore. She has six siblings and they reside in Friars Point, Mississippi.

Wairterrica has always viewed learning as a priority. She was an honor student throughout school, remaining on either the Superintendent or Principal lists. Her performance in the classroom landed Ms. Galmore placement in ``Accelerated'' and ``Gifted'' classes.

As a student in high school Wairterrica maintained her placement in high accelerated courses, while also participating in extracurricular activities. She was a member of the Olive Branch All Girls High School Senior Choir and the Olive Branch High School Co-Ed Choir. Wairterrica also received many awards while at Olive Branch High School such as the Positive Award, Highest Average in Math, and the Highest Average in Art. Her test scores on the Mississippi Curriculum and Subject Test ranked in the ``Advanced and Proficient'' categories. Wairterrica was also one of two students chosen to represent Coahoma Agricultural High School in a women's conference at Tougaloo College in the summer of 2011. Relocation caused Wairterrica to complete tenth through twelfth grade at Coahoma Agricultural High School, where despite the challenge she reigned victorious, gaining the honor of class Valedictorian.

Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms.Wairterrica Galmore, the Valedictorian for Coahoma Agricultural High School's Class of 2012.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Kineu Donald, Salutatorian of Raymond High School; Class of 2012. Kineu was born to the proud mother of Sheillia Donald, on December 16, 1993, in Edwards, Mississippi.

She attended Bolton-Edwards schools through middle school. While in middle school Kineu was consistent in her efforts to remain on the Honor Roll and Principal's List. She finished Bolton-Edwards Elementary Middle School, and was acknowledged as the Valedictorian of her eighth grade class.

Throughout high school, Kineu has been recognized for her many achievements in both academics and extra-curricular activities. She was a member of the band, choir, Beta Club, Student Council, and Student Body. In addition to her extra-curricular activities, Kineu also participated in many community service projects sponsored by her school and church.

As a high school graduate, Kineu plans to attend Alcorn State University and major in agricultural economics or nutrition and dietetics, to aid her in her pursuit to become a food science technologist or a dietician.

Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join me in honoring Ms. Kineu Donald the Salutatorian for Raymond High School Class of 2012.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a worthy member of our society Mrs. Lisa Ward. Lisa Ward and her husband, Darrel Ward, are the proud parents of two.

Mrs. Ward is a dedicated and devoted mom, who works tirelessly in the Canton Public School District and in the community to make a difference in the lives of children. As an employee for the Canton Parks and Recreation Department in the city of Canton, she has helped to create various service-oriented activities for our youth.

Some of those youth activities include indoor and outdoor sports, movies in the park, carnivals, health feasts and decreasing childhood obesity. Understanding the importance of community and parental involvement Mrs. Ward works diligently to garner support and sponsorships from vendors, merchants, and parents in the community to offer these and other activities to help provide recreational opportunities for children and to help them develop socially. In her desire to serve as a concerned and involved parent in the lives of children, she often goes above and beyond the call of duty. In honor of her dedication and contribution to her local community and children, Mrs. Ward has received the Parent of the Year award from the McNeal Elementary School and the District Parent of the Year award from the Canton Public School District.

Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Lisa Ward, for her commitment and contribution to helping improve the lives of children in the Canton Public School District, located in the Second Congressional District of Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a remarkable man, Gidarell Bryant, Jr., Valedictorian of Rosa Fort High School in Tunica, Mississippi Class of 2012. Gidarell was born on November 25, 1993 in Clarksdale, Mississippi to Ms. Tammie Turner and Gidarell Bryant, Sr.

Gidarell has always had a competitive nature. Graduating as Valedictorian of his class was a goal that he set for himself in middle school and at the close of his senior year of high school was privileged to be bestowed the honor. To remain focused on his goals, Gidarell often recalled his mother's words, ``If you put in no effort you will get nothing in return. Whatever you want to achieve in life comes with hard work and hard work will pay off.''

In accordance with her advice, Gidarell took advanced coursework in high school such as: Chemistry, Physics, Calculus, and Trigonometry, achieving many academic and honorary awards throughout his secondary education and as an honor student throughout elementary, middle, and high school. Gidarell was inducted into both the National Junior Honor Society in middle school and National Honor Society in high school, where he served as Vice President. He was also chosen as a student ambassador for Lead America and People to People programs, and has served as a scholar in the Rotary Youth Leadership. Gidarell also received nominations for the United States Achievement Academy.

Gidarell credits his mother for diligently working to keep him focused on his goals; his grandmother, Leola Turner, was always supportive of him; his two uncles, Chester and Corneilous Lambert, who are retired military personnel, who have not only served this country but also served as male role models.

Gidarell will attend Mississippi State University and major in Business Administration. After receiving his undergraduate degree, he hopes to attend Harvard University to pursue a professional degree. Gidarell hopes to one day serve as Governor of Mississippi, in addition to owning a National Basketball Association franchise that he would relocate to Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Gidarell Bryant, Jr. as Valedictorian of Rosa Fort High School Class of 2012, in Tunica, Mississippi.