Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a brilliant photographer, Susalyn Bennett. Susalyn has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to achieve success.

Susalyn Bennett has been a photographer for The Clinton Courier for almost a decade. Susalyn has spent countless hours taking photos of the children, events, celebrations, seniors, and much more. Thanks to her, we have enjoyed almost a decade of photo documentation of our community's events,

groundbreakings, awards, inductions, ribbon cuttings and even tragedies in the City of Clinton. She is also the editor of the Bolton Newspaper in my hometown of Bolton, MS. Susalyn has taken photos and written articles of things that have defined us in our small town, as well as moments we will cherish forever.

Susalyn has been named to the E&P Class of 2022 ``Shooting Stars.'' She was selected as one of only twelve photojournalists in the nation to be featured in the June 2022 issue of Editor & Publisher Magazine, a trade magazine for the newspaper, advertising, public relations, communication, journalism, and printing industries that traces its roots back to 1884.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Susalyn Bennett for her passion and dedication in the field of journalism.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant, Alderwoman Stephanie Patterson.

Alderwoman Patterson was born and raised in Oakland, Mississippi, where at least five generations of her family have lived and contributed. At 43 years old, she is a member of the younger generation with high hopes and dreams for her community. Known for her generous heart and the love of her community, she has served one year in her first term on the Town of Oakland's Board. Within the first year of her term, she helped found the Oakland Area Chamber of Commerce and serves as the Secretary/Treasurer, and she is on the Oakland Beautification Committee. Also, she was co-chair of Oakland's first Juneteenth Celebration this year. Alderwoman Patterson pulled together with other members of the community to pass a 2 percent prepared food tax. This tax passed with 100 percent of those voting supporting this.

Alderwoman Patterson is recognized by her family, her community, and her colleagues as a woman of integrity, service, and compassion for her community. She is a member of and regularly attends Parrish Grove M.B. Church in Oakland, where she is Youth President, and Director of Vacation Bible School. Alderwoman Patterson also serves as a member of Heroines of Jericho Court No. 283.

Alderwoman Patterson attended and graduated from Coffeeville High School in Coffeeville, MS. After earning her high school diploma, she attended Northwest Community College pursuing an Associate Degree in Business Management. She went on to pursue a bachelor's degree at University of Mississippi in Criminal Justice with minors in Emergency Management, Psychology, and Sociology.

Alderwoman Patterson's deep roots in this small Mississippi town have led her and her family to work to inspire others to believe in the community's possibilities. She and her husband, Kel Andrews, have two sons, Tavauric and Kameron. Her leadership, dependability and work ethic combine to create her reputation and slogan of #OaklandProud.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Alderwoman Stephanie Patterson for her dedication, commitment, and remarkable community leadership.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable professional, Shonna Tillman.

Shonna Tillman is a native of Grenada, MS. She is the daughter of Tony and Anna Tillman. She has two amazing brothers, Jonathan and Tony Tillman, and one amazing sister, Shae Poe. Shonna is also a member of Open-Door Apostolic Church in Charleston, MS, where her pastor is Bishop James Phillips.

Shonna Tillman is the Founder of Operation #iAM, an organization that is designed to help individuals share their stories anonymously. Shonna founded Operation #iAM after overcoming her battle with anxiety and depression. She had a first-hand understanding of how hard it is to walk a dark path and has vowed to not let others suffer alone.

Shonna is a proud graduate of Mississippi State University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Educational Psychology. She is also a graduate of Belhaven University, where she earned her master's degree in Public Administration. Currently, Shonna is attending Mississippi State University, where she is a doctoral candidate in Public Policy and Administration. Her students focus on economic development in the rural community, and her dissertation topic is ``The Lack of Black Women Representation in Local Government in The Deep South.''

Shonna is a member of Black Girls Rock of MS, a mentor for The Diamond Project, Inc.,

a board member of Fostering Faith, and a community organizer. Her primary mission is to be the change that she wants to see in the world. She has plans of working in the academia field on a tenure track.

Shonna family and church family honors her in her hard work and dedication she put into her community.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Shonna Tillman for her dedication in serving her community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable organization, Mississippi Votes. This organization has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a strong desire for change.

Mississippi Votes is an organization of intergenerational synergy centering and led by young people invested in the progression of Mississippi. The organization's programming and outreach strategies empower young people, encourages civic engagement, and educates communities on voting rights through place-based grassroots organizing.

Since inception, Mississippi Votes has been a pioneer and leader in voter registration and engagement in Mississippi. In a little over four years, Mississippi Votes has successfully recruited and retained over 400 statewide volunteers as well as registered over 15,000 new voters-- many of whom are young people of color on college campuses. Mississippi Votes' Executive Director, Arekia Bennett-Scott, and her team have worked tirelessly to cultivate a culture of civic engagement throughout the State of Mississippi.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mississippi Votes for their dedication in the fight for civil and human rights in the State of Mississippi.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable organization, Mississippi Move. This organization has gone beyond the call of duty to ensure that communities in Mississippi are taken care of during critical times.

Since its inception, Mississippi Move's main focuses have been voter empowerment and voter registration. The organization believes by doing voter registration, education, and get-out-the-vote work, they can dramatically increase voter turnout, uphold voters' civil rights at the ballot box, make critical changes in the election system.

Mississippi Move is also known for its service to the homeless, low- income, and disaster victims around the State of Mississippi. On March 22, 2022, violent tornado storms hit Mississippi. In two of the most impacted counties, Hinds and Holmes, Mississippi Move hosted ``Resource Day'' for storm victims and those in need. The services offered were health screenings, food, housing information, care packages, water, and survival kits. Mississippi Move Executive Director, Mac Epps, and his team have worked tirelessly aiding the citizens in need throughout the state of Mississippi.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mississippi Move for their service to the citizens of Mississippi.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable unsung hero, Ms. Natalie Herrington.

Ms. Natalie Herrington is the daughter of the honorable Apostle James and Lucy Herrington. She is a native of Grenada, Mississippi. She has two brothers, Sheldon Herrington and Reginald Herrington. She is also the amazing mother of Avery Moore.

Ms. Herrington graduated from Delta State University with her medical degree in 2002. She has more than twenty years of experience. She is a Nurse Practitioner specialist in Batesville, Mississippi. Her practice location is in Grenada, MS. She is also affiliated with many hospitals including University of Mississippi Medical Center-Grenada and Tyler Holmes Memorial Hospital.

Ms. Herrington cooperates with many other doctors and specialists in medical groups: Progressive Medical Management of Batesville, LLC; Grenada Emergency Group, LLC; Panola Physician Group, LLC; and Grenada Physician Services, LLC. Ms. Herrington is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated.

Not only is Ms. Herrington a Nurse Practitioner, but she is also the praise team leader at her church, Abundant Life Assembly Church of Apostolic Faith. Her family and church family honors her in her hard work and dedication that she put into her patients.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Natalie Herrington for her dedication and commitment to our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a tenacious and self-motivated leader, Coach Johnathan Perkins. Coach Perkins has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to achieve success.

Coach Perkins was recently selected as the 2022 United States Track & Field and Cross-Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) High School Girls Track & Field Coach of the Year for the State of Mississippi. This is his 2nd time winning the award for the State of Mississippi. Coach Perkins has racked up a total of 12 Mississippi High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Track and Field State Championships. Coach Perkins and the Clinton High School Track & Field program have produced some of the state's most unforgettable track athletes. He has created what some call a dynasty in the world of track and field, and his work never goes unnoticed. Aside from his coaching accolades, he has been a teacher in the State of Mississippi for 18 years.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Coach Johnathan Perkins for his passion and dedication in the field of coaching.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable activist and serial entrepreneur, Ja'lyn R. McElroy of Jackson, Mississippi.

Ja'lyn is a proud product of the Central Jackson Georgetown neighborhood. She has always been recognized by for the community outreach that she's done from grade school until now.

She is a graduate of the 2016 Class of William B. Murrah High School, where she graduated as an honor student. After high school, Ja'lyn furthered her education to Jackson State University (JSU), where she received her bachelor's in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. During her time at JSU, she was known for her engagement with the student body by showing her service through organizations such as AmeriCorps, Air Force ROTC, Pre-Alumni Council, Girl's Coalition, and more. Ja'lyn is now a candidate at JSU to receive her Master's in Business Administration.

After undergrad, Ja'lyn wanted to follow back into her footsteps of being a entrepreneur. In 2020, she opened an online store to sell her skincare products; as well as a marketing agency to help small business owners function throughout their business. Recently, Ja'lyn founded a nonprofit organization to end period poverty and provide unlimited period aid. Through her organization, The P.U.P.A Project, she's not only been an activist but an advocate for all women. Since founding the organization last July, she's provided over 18,000 worth of period aid to young girls and women in the South.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Ja'lyn McElroy for her passion and dedication to serving her community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a bright and vibrant student, Lillian Lewis. Lillian has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to achieve success.

Lillian Lewis is the Valedictorian of the Holmes County Central High School Class of 2022. She currently has a 4.04 GPA. Lillian is the daughter of Mr. Benjamin and Mrs. Shanatosha Lewis. Lillian has always been supported through every endeavor by her family. The love and respect they share for one another has taken her a long way.

Throughout her high school years, Lillian has prided herself on being the absolute best version of herself. She is driven, dependable, and resourceful. These characteristics shaped her school life tremendously. She has accomplished many academic goals already. She is a part of the National Honors Society, Beta Club, National Society of High School Scholars, The National Society of Future Physicians, and the Superintendent's Round Table.

Lillian has chosen to spend the next chapter of her life at the University of Mississippi in Oxford MS, majoring in biomedical engineering on a Pre-Med track to become an internal medicine physician. Lillian hopes to take every experience life has to offer her and learn from them, whether they are good, bad, happy, or sad. Lillian lives knowing that without God none of this would be possible.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Holmes County Central Highschool's 2022 valedictorian, Lillian Lewis, for being an exemplary student and citizen.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a tenacious and self-motivated leader, Brianna McField. Brianna has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication, and a desire to achieve success.

Brianna McField is the 2013 Valedictorian of Yazoo County High School, an alumna of Millsaps College, and a current student at Jackson State University seeking her doctorate in Public Health Policy and Administration. She proves that beauty queens are more than pretty faces.

Brianna will go on to represent the state of Mississippi in the 2022 Miss Black USA Scholarship Pageant. She is a strong advocate for education and the uplift of women. Brianna has promoted women's empowerment and education about public health and social justice topics including heart disease, sex trafficking, autism awareness, and financial literacy.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Brianna McField for her passion and dedication to educate the community on health and financial literacy.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an impeccable and an accomplished leader, Josephine Pradia Rhymes. Mrs. Rhymes currently is ``officially'' retired from Tri-County Workforce alliance after 25 years of dedicated service as of May 31, 2022. She has been a champion of education, and a leader of service in the Mississippi Delta and our great state.

Mrs. Rhymes received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern University and A & M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and her Master of Education degree from the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) in Oxford, Mississippi. She recently completed the requirements for the CITI Program at Ole Miss.

She was married to the late Robert A. Rhymes, Sr. She is the mother of one daughter Tarra Katrice Rhymes-Slack; one son Robert A. Rhymes, Jr.; a grandmother of one granddaughter, Pradia Nicole Slack; and one grandson Tyler Rhymes-Christian Slack.

Mrs. Rhymes, a Lake Charles, Louisiana native, was Executive Director of Tri-County Workforce Alliance ever since its implementation in 1997. Tri-County's mission is to promote long-term economic and community development by building a healthy and competitive workforce through education and job training to a three-county region (Bolivar, Coahoma, and Quitman counties) of the Mississippi Delta.

Mrs. Rhymes taught French, English, German, and Journalism at Clarksdale High School, and French, English, Oral Communication, and Journalism at Coahoma Community College for eleven (11) years. She taught school for 32 years total.

Mrs. Rhymes has won numerous awards over the years. At Clarksdale High she was selected ``Star Teacher'' four (4) times and was selected for Who's Who Among American Teachers in 1990. She received the NAACP's Education Heritage Award in 1992. Also, the English Honor Society at Clarksdale High School was name in her honor in 2014. It is called the Josephine Pradia Rhymes English Honor Society. She was inducted into Coahoma Community College's Sports Hall of Fame as a Community Leader Inductee; featured in a documentary by Blue Magnolia Films and Barefoot Workshops (through Nickalus Jones, a senior at Clarksdale High School) for her work to improve the lives of youth in Clarksdale; and as a part of the project, two life-size pictures are on the doors of the old Paramount Theater to help with revitalization of downtown Clarksdale.

Mrs. Rhymes continues to serve as a dedicated leader in the community. She is an advocate for the youth, education, and community service. She serves in a plethora of other community organizations in various capacities--her work and dedication is unending. Mrs. Rhymes has proven herself throughout her career and earned a reputation of impeccable character, unquestionable integrity, unparalleled professional achievement, and superior leadership.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Josephine Pradia Rhymes for her leadership, service, and dedication.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable educator and recent retiree, Mrs. Gloria Triplett-Jackson.

Mrs. Jackson began her educational journey in the '70s as a basketball player and graduate from Greenville High School, where she became the high school first female to play in the Mississippi High School All Star game.

Mrs. Jackson went on to further her education at Alcorn State University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. She began her career teaching and coaching at Jonesboro High School in Louisiana, while in graduate school at Grambling State University.

Nine Years later, Mrs. Jackson returned to Greenville and finished her second master's degree at Delta State University. Mrs. Jackson spent more than 22 years in the Leland School District, serving in a number of positions, such as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, curriculum specialist, and eventually superintendent until 2015. Under Mrs. Jackson's leadership, Leland School District improved, moving from an ``F'' failing rating to a ``C'' successful rating.

After a short stint of running her own educational consulting firm, Mrs. Jackson returned to public school as the principal at Riverside Elementary in the Western Line School District. Once again, she propelled her school to excellence by becoming one of the few schools in the Mississippi Delta to receive an ``A'' rating, which the school has maintained to date. She has also served as the Deputy Superintendent, Chief Academic Officer for Western Line for the past four years.

Mrs. Jackson has received numerous accolades over the years from Western Line School District, Washington County, DAAIS, MHSAA, and from the state of Mississippi for her accomplishments as a public school leader.

After a successful career in public education, of more than 40 years, Mrs. Jackson has decided to embrace retirement and any new challenges ahead.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Gloria Triplett-Jackson for her passion and dedication to serving and educating her community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an impeccable and self-motivated leader, Colonel Melanie Bell-Carter. Colonel Bell-Carter currently serves as the Director, Human Resources Directorate, White House Military Office, Washington, DC. She has been a champion and a leader of service and dedication to our great nation.

Colonel Melanie Bell-Carter is a native of Shaw, Mississippi, and she graduated from Shaw High School in 1990. She enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1992 and graduated from recruit training Marine Corps recruit Depot in Parris Island, South Carolina. Upon graduation, she attended the Aviation Ordnance Course at Naval Air Station (NAS), in Millington, TN. In November 1992, she attended the AV-8B Armament Organizational Systems Maintenance Course at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS), Cherry Point, NC. She was selected to the Meritorious Commissioning Program during this assignment. From October 1998 until December 1998, she attended Officer Candidate School. Colonel Bell-Carter possesses a BS in Human Resource Management, Master's in Organizational Development and Management, Master's in Management, a Master of Military Operational Art and Science Degree, graduated from the Air War College and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Organizational Development.

Colonel Bell-Carter has 2 children--Erik and Kennedi. Her personal awards include Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, 2 Navy and Marines Corps Commendation Medals, 3 Navy and Marines Corps Achievement Medals, 2 Good Conduct Medals and a host of Meritorious Masts, Certificate of Commendations and Letters of Appreciation.

Colonel Bell-Carter serves as a leader in the Marine Corps; she is an advocate for community service. In both endeavors, she does not seek praise for her actions, but will ensure others are praised for their accomplishments. Colonel Bell-Carter has proven herself throughout her career and earned a reputation of impeccable character, unquestionable integrity, unparalleled professional achievement, and superior leadership. She lives by her motto, ``Learning is essential to being a good leader.''

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Colonel Melanie Bell-Carter for her leadership, service, and dedication to the United States Marine Corps.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable servant, Mr. Lonnie Smith.

Lonnie is a native of Leland, Mississippi, and graduated from Leland High School in 1996. After high school, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He served 10 faithful years in the reserves with a final rank of Sergeant. During his time in the reserves, he matriculated at Delta State University to pursue a degree in Computer Information Systems.

Next, Lonnie joined the Greenville Fire Department in 2003. He rose through the ranks of the Department, and now serves as Chief of Training. He was recently recognized by the Department for an act of bravery by single-handedly rescuing someone from a house fire shortly before reporting for duty.

Lonnie founded Dynamic Technologies, LLC in 2008, and continued to build his knowledge of computers and technology by enrolling in Walden University and also obtaining various certifications. He is a CPR instructor for the American Heart Association and serves as board member for the MS River Marathon, the United Way Housing Initiative, and the YMCA.

Lonnie's servant heart, entrepreneurial spirit, and easy-going nature inspire all who come into contact with him.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Lonnie Smith for his passion and dedication to serving his community and this country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a tenacious and self-motivated leader, Representative Orlando Paden. Rep. Paden has been a champion of service, education, and dedication to the great state of Mississippi and his community.

Orlando W. Paden is a native of Clarksdale, MS, and the son of Cornelius and Lisa Paden. He has two sisters, Marquita Paden and Yusomie Caldwell. Mr. Paden is a proud 2002 graduate of Coahoma Agricultural High School. Graduating with honors from Coahoma Community College in 2004; he went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude with a political science pre-law major from Alcorn State University in 2006. He also did graduate studies at Delta State University and Belhaven College.

In 2015, he was elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives, District 26--serving Coahoma and Bolivar counties. Rep. Paden serves on eight committees: Agriculture, Public Health and Human Services, Transportation, Tourism, and Universities and Colleges. During his term, he has been a staunch supporter of public education, university and college funding, and health for all Mississippians. In 2018, Rep. Paden was selected as a Mississippi Legislator delegate to study government abroad in Taiwan. In 2019, Rep. Paden was reelected to serve a second term. He lives by his motto, embodied through the words of Mahalia Jackson, ``If I can help somebody, as I pass along; if I can cheer somebody, with a word or song; if I can show somebody, how they're travelling wrong, then my living shall not be in vain.''

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Representative Orlando Paden for his support of public education, university and college funding, and health for all Mississippians.