Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a tenacious and self-motivated leader, Mr. Delvonte M. Adams. He has shown what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to change.

Delvonte is a passionate young community leader and the proud owner of Change Lives & Lend A Helping Hand Outreach. Known for his unwavering dedication to service, Delvonte actively works to uplift and support those around him.

This year, he hosted a successful Homecoming Tailgate and a week-long series of community events, bringing people together and fostering a spirit of unity. Delvonte also takes the time to host an annual Thanksgiving dinner, providing a warm and welcoming space for those in need.

In addition to his community events, Delvonte is committed to education and personal development. He offers after-school tutoring classes to children in his community, helping them to succeed in their studies. He also makes it a point to visit local schools, checking in on students and identifying any additional support they may require.

Delvonte's commitment to his community extends beyond education. He has been a loyal partner with the Toys for Tots program for three years, providing essential gifts to those who need them most. And, for the past three years, he has hosted a Trunk or Treat event in the local baseball pit, creating a safe and fun space for children to celebrate Halloween.

Furthermore, Delvonte is a dedicated trainer and mentor, offering group training sessions at the 180 Career Center. His expertise and guidance help individuals to build skills, gain confidence, and achieve their goals.

For his tireless efforts and commitment to his community, Delvonte was recognized with a prestigious award: a Key to the Community from the Best of Mississippi 2024. This honor is a testament to his selflessness, compassion, and dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of those around him.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Delvonte M. Adams for his dedication to service to his community, and for reminding us all that true leadership begins with courage, compassion, and the will to act on behalf of others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and enduring legacy of the late Reverend C.J. Carson, Jr., an esteemed educator, minister, and community leader whose service to the people of Mississippi continues to inspire generations.

On October 4, 2025, a street sign dedication ceremony was held at Hays Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Winona, Mississippi, to commemorate Reverend Carson's lifelong commitment to faith, education, and service. Reverend Carson, a proud 1932 graduate of Alcorn A&M College--now Alcorn State University--dedicated his life to uplifting others through both the classroom and the pulpit.

He served in the Winona Public School System, shaping young minds and guiding them toward excellence, and was a devoted chaplain for the Alcorn State University Alumni Association. As Dean of the Mississippi Baptist Congress of Christian Education, he championed spiritual growth and academic advancement throughout our state.

Throughout his distinguished ministry, Reverend Carson pastored several congregations, including First Baptist Church in Kosciusko, Green Grove Baptist Church in Marks, and Mt. Union Baptist Church in Eupora. For thirty-five years, he faithfully served as pastor of Hays Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Winona and held leadership roles in the Zion District Association.

The recent dedication ceremony featured opening remarks by his granddaughter, Dr. Thelma Purnell-Bibbs, and tributes from Rev. Hemphill, Mrs. Annie Rodgers, and Rev. J. Sawyer. His great-grandson, Carson Bibbs, unveiled the memorial sign, and granddaughter Ms. Leveda ``Marcia'' Purnell offered closing remarks.

The Carson family expressed heartfelt appreciation to Mayor Flowers, City Clerk Tracy Holcomb and staff, and the City of Winona for honoring Reverend Carsons's legacy with the placement of this memorial marker.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Reverend C.J. Carson, Jr. who lived a life of purpose, faith, and service. His legacy endures in the countless lives he touched, and, in the communities, he helped strengthen. It is my privilege to enter his name and memory into the Congressional Record so that his contributions to Mississippi and to our Nation will be forever remembered.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a tenacious and self-motivated leader, Ms. Nayla McClure. She has shown what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to change.

For Ms. McClure, the path to advocacy did not begin with a grand plan to change the world. Instead, it began with a willingness to listen, adapt, and act. A native of Utica, Mississippi, she was recently recognized for her leadership in developing The People's Water Project, an initiative designed to address water accessibility in Utica and neighboring communities while creating a blueprint that other towns can follow.

Ms. McClure received a $20,000 grant from the Southern Poverty Law Center's Advocacy Institute, an annual nine-week program that trains fellows across Mississippi in practical advocacy skills. When she first joined the Institute, her project was not centered on water. The shift came after reflecting on the dire needs of her community and the realities of Mississippi's ongoing water crisis.

The project provides immediate relief by ensuring residents have access to clean, safe water, while also focusing on long-term solutions. Ms. McClure is developing an impact report and a Water Justice Toolkit to bridge the gap between policy and community.

For her, the work is deeply personal. Communities like Utica often lack the funding and infrastructure necessary to sustain basic services, highlighting the need for equitable resource allocation. From intern to national policy analyst, Ms. McClure's journey has been shaped by both academic study and hands-on experience. She began as an intern with the Mississippi Public Service Commission and now serves as a full-time policy analyst with national reach.

As Mississippi continues to grapple with aging infrastructure and ongoing water challenges, leaders like Nayla McClure remind us that solutions do not always come from the top down. Sometimes they begin with listening, adapting, and acting, one community at a time.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. Nayla McClure for her dedication and service to her community, and for reminding us all that true leadership begins with courage, compassion, and the will to act on behalf of others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Mr. Keith Johnson, a 32-year-old musician, author, and cultural ambassador who continues to carry forward his family's musical legacy while proudly representing the Mississippi Delta on an international stage. Known on stage as the ``Prince of the Delta Blues,'' Mr. Johnson is the great-nephew of McKinley Morganfield, better known to the world as Muddy Waters.

Born and raised in Glen Allan, a small community south of Greenville on the edge of Lake Washington in Washington County, Mr. Johnson grew up immersed in a rich tradition of gospel music. While many of his peers focused on sports, his childhood was filled with music and church singing. By the age of 15, he was already a member of the church choir and went on to form his first gospel quartet, The Delta Sensations.

During his senior year at Riverside High School, Mr. Johnson wrote his first official song, Outstanding Love, which was adopted as the school's anthem. This pivotal moment sparked his deeper commitment to music and inspired him to pursue it professionally. His passion led him to the Delta Music Institute at Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, where he studied audio engineering, songwriting, and performance.

In 2018, Mr. Johnson earned an MBA with a focus in human resource management, combining his passion for music with business expertise to manage all aspects of his career. That same year, he released his debut album, Come to Mississippi, honoring his home State's blues legacy. He has since toured internationally, performing across Europe and later in Brazil through a cultural exchange sponsored by Delta State University.

Alongside his solo work, Mr. Johnson performs with Morgan Freeman's Blues Symphonic Orchestra, also known as the Morgan Freeman Blues Experience, contributing vocals, guitar, and harmonica. He has toured nationally with the group over the past two months.

Mr. Johnson, a published author of two books and currently at work on his third, is also channeling his creative energy into music. He is in the process of recording a new album, Deep in the Mud, alongside Grammy-nominated producer Vasti Jackson at the legendary Royal Studios in Memphis--a place steeped in musical history. Mr. Johnson describes the collaboration as ``history in the making,'' a testament to both the studio's legacy and the project's cultural significance.

Driven by a deep sense of purpose, Mr. Johnson remains unwavering in his commitment to honoring his roots. He is passionate about shining a spotlight on Glen Allan and the broader Mississippi Delta, working tirelessly to ensure their rich cultural heritage receives the recognition it deserves on the global stage.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the achievements of Mr. Keith Johnson, and in recognizing his extraordinary contributions to music and blues in Mississippi and his unwavering commitment to proving that the blues still carries power, soul, and purpose.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable servant, Everett Timothy Sanders.

Everett Timothy Sanders, a former resident of Jackson, Mississippi, graduated from Lanier High School and Tougaloo College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1968. Following graduation, he enrolled in the University of Kentucky College of Law. His law school tenure was interrupted by his service in the U.S. Army. After his discharge, he returned to law school and graduated in December 1972.

After graduating from the University of Kentucky College of Law, Mr. Sanders worked for the Kentucky Labor Department. In 1974, he returned home, where he passed the Mississippi Bar Examination. In January 1975, Mr. Sanders entered practice with the law firm of Brown, Alexander, and Sanders.

In 1976, Mr. Sanders was elected County Prosecutor for Claiborne County, Mississippi, becoming the first African American to hold that position. He was also elected to two terms as the Democratic National Committeeman for the State of Mississippi from 2004 to 2012. Mr. Sanders has served in over 30 prestigious positions at both the state and federal levels. He is a member of the Magnolia Bar Association (former president), NAACP, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (life member), among many other organizations. He is also an active member of the Knights of Peter Claver and Holy Family Catholic Church in Natchez, Mississippi.

He is married to Lillie Blackmon Sanders and is the father of two daughters, Aisha and Keshia.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Everett Timothy Sanders for his dedicated service and his many contributions to the Natchez and Jackson, Mississippi, communities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Margaret Hopson Brown, a beloved member of our community whose warmth and kindness touched the lives of many. Born on December 19, 1954, to David and Mary Hopson, Margaret lived a life rich with love, adventure, and purpose.

Margaret passed away on September 8, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter. A Celebration of Life service was held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Valley Queen M.B. Church, officiated by Rev. Lesta Anderson and Rev. Dexter Davis, with interment at Booker Cemetery.

Margaret was a lifelong member of Shady Grove M.B. Church, where she served faithfully, embodying the spirit of a true servant of the Lord. Her life was a testament to her faith, as she accepted Christ at an early age and lived out her beliefs through acts of kindness and service.

Known for her ability to turn everyday moments into celebrations, Margaret's presence was a gift to all who knew her. Whether she was spinning wild stories, sharing a perfect joke, or ensuring no one left her table hungry, Margaret's warmth drew people in and made strangers feel like lifelong friends.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Royal Brown, Jr.; and five siblings. She leaves behind a loving family, including her four sisters, Dorothy, Frances, Brenda, and Pinky; her brother, Andrew Lee; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and special friends, including the Class of 1970 and the Golden Hearts Social club.

Though Margaret's time with us has ended, her story lives on in every lesson taught, every memory shared, and every heart she touched. Her legacy is proof that some people never truly leave us.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Margaret Hopson Brown, whose kindness, resilience, and love will continue to inspire us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Ms. TaKayla Pratt, an accomplished healthcare professional whose dedication, faith, and perseverance have made a lasting impact on both her patients and her community.

Ms. Pratt has been employed at The Medical Center for six years, where she began her career as a surgical scrub technician before advancing to her current role as a registered nurse. Recently, she achieved a major milestone by graduating from the Mississippi University for Women with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Her colleagues speak highly of her commitment and growth. Terri Donham, Nurse Manager of Surgery, PACU, and SPD, stated, ``Watching Kayla expand her knowledge base over the years has been awesome. She has grown from the shy, quiet young woman that applied for a scrub tech position to a nurse that takes amazing care of her patients when they come to the operating room.'' Similarly, Chrissy Nicholson, Chief Human Resources Officer, shared, ``Congratulations to TaKayla on earning her BSN and becoming a registered nurse! We are incredibly proud of her achievement and grateful to have her on our team.''

Ms. Pratt credits her success to the supportive and family-oriented environment at The Medical Center, where she continues to grow professionally and provide compassionate care during some of life's most critical moments. She is also a proud member of Beulah Grove M.B. Church of Leland, Mississippi, where her values of service, faith, and community have been nurtured.

Outside of her professional life, Ms. Pratt enjoys traveling, exploring new restaurants, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Ms. TaKayla Pratt for her outstanding accomplishments, her dedication to her patients, and her service to the community. Her story is a true reflection of perseverance, faith, and the power of service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the remarkable achievements of Peacock's Signs & Designs, a venerable black-owned business located in Grenada, Mississippi, that has been a pillar of the community for nearly five decades.

Founded in 1976 by Walter Peacock, this family-owned enterprise began humbly as a side endeavor creating personalized license plates. Mr. Peacock, a talented artist and dedicated entrepreneur, transformed his passion and skill into one of Grenada County's oldest and most successful businesses.

Through decades of unwavering hard work and commitment, Peacock's Signs & Designs has grown from a small local operation into a respected company serving hometown restaurants, boutiques, shopping plazas, and even national restaurant and retail chains. Mr. Peacock's dedication to quality and service has earned the business a reputation for excellence, not only in Grenada but also in surrounding communities and smaller towns that lack local sign companies.

Today, the legacy of Peacock's Signs continues with the involvement of Walter Peacock's two sons, Walter ``Winston'' Peacock, Jr. and Fred ``Wesley'' Peacock. Together, they carry forward their father's vision, expanding the company's reach while maintaining the high standards set by their father nearly 50 years ago.

This multigenerational commitment is a testament to the strength of family, the power of entrepreneurship, and the impact of black-owned businesses on local economies and communities. It is through such steadfast dedication that small businesses like Peacock's Signs & Designs contribute profoundly to the cultural and economic fabric of our great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the enduring success of Peacock's Signs & Designs and its inspiring founder, Walter Peacock, whose journey exemplifies the American spirit of perseverance, innovation, and family unity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Petty Officer First Class Donald Rhodes, a proud native of Jackson, Mississippi, for his outstanding service aboard the USS Delbert D. Black, a United States Navy warship stationed in Mayport, Florida.

A 2014 graduate of Raymond High School, Petty Officer Rhodes enlisted in the Navy ten years ago with a vision to save his country and broaden his horizons. Today, as a Culinary Specialist, he is entrusted with ensuring the health and readiness of his shipmates--a role that underscores the critical importance of every sailor aboard a modern warship.

He has often spoken of the values that have guided him in uniform: the importance of speaking up, seeking help when necessary, and consistently showing up with commitment and integrity. His leadership has extended beyond the deck of his ship, as he returned to Jackson to serve as a recruiter, opening doors of opportunity for the next generation of sailors.

Serving aboard a guided-missile destroyer equipped with advanced weaponry--including Tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns, and a Phalanx close-in weapons system--Petty Officer Rhodes plays a vital role in maintaining our Navy's readiness and ensuring our nation's security.

Mr. Speaker, Petty Officer Rhodes stands as a testament to the strength, resilience, and determination of Mississippians who choose the path of service. His story not only honors his family and community, but also inspires young people across our state and nation to pursue excellence, service and leadership.

I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Petty Officer First Class Donald Rhodes for his dedication and sacrifice. His service reflects the very best of Mississippi and the very best of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my concern regarding the direction our national discourse has taken following the death of Charlie Kirk and to share my reservations about the resolution before us today.

I condemn--unequivocally and in the strongest terms--the violent murder of Charlie Kirk.

I am praying for his family and our Nation as we navigate the aftermath of last week's horrific shooting.

No one should be killed for what they say or what they believe, and any claim to the contrary betrays the values upon which this Nation was founded.

But my deep regret that Mr. Kirk was killed and my respect for his First Amendment right to express himself freely does not make him someone that should be elevated as a role model for the American public. The resolution before us today would do just that.

The fact is Charlie Kirk's rhetoric was divisive, disparaging, and too often rooted in grievance.

The beliefs he evangelized normalized fringe views on race, sex, and immigration.

I've spent my entire career--from the peak of the civil rights movement until today--advocating for equal rights for everyone, regardless of race, sex, or religion.

I've sought to carry on the important work of civil rights leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I have worked to eradicate prejudices and stereotypes that suggest that the color of someone's skin, or their gender, or their religious beliefs could somehow limit their potential.

I believe strongly that America is stronger, safer, and more secure when everyone who lives here has the opportunity to achieve their highest potential.

When I was growing up, I never had a new textbook because people in power didn't think people that shared my skin color deserved them.

My right to vote was hardly guaranteed.

The first time I ran for mayor of my small town in Mississippi, the Ku Klux Klan showed up to intimidate me.

A lot has changed since then.

And we owe the progress this country has made toward equality to those who were brave enough to stand up to the people in power who perpetuated and institutionalized the prejudices that made groups of Americans second-class citizens.

Unfortunately, Charlie Kirk's statements resurrected the dangerous rhetoric of a dark past.

I cannot hold up as a role model someone who said:

``If I see a Black pilot, I'm going to be like, boy, I hope

he's qualified.'' The Charlie Kirk Show, January 23, 2024.

``If you're a WNBA, pot-smoking, Black lesbian, do you get

treated better than a United States marine?'' The Charlie

Kirk Show, December 8, 2022.

``Happening all the time in urban America, prowling Blacks

go around for fun to go target white people, that's a fact.

It's happening more and more.'' The Charlie Kirk Show, May

19, 2023.

``If I'm dealing with somebody in customer service who's a

moronic Black woman, I wonder is she there because of her

excellence, or is she there because of affirmative action?''

The Charlie Kirk Show, January 3, 2024.

``If we would have said that Joy Reid and Michelle Obama

and Sheila Jackson Lee and Ketanji Brown Jackson were

affirmative action picks, we would have been called racists.

Now they're coming out and they're saying it for us . . . You

do not have the brain processing power to otherwise be taken

really seriously. You had to go steal a white person's slot

to go be taken somewhat seriously.'' The Charlie Kirk Show,

July 13, 2023.

``MLK was awful. He's not a good person.'' America Fest,

December 2023.

``I have a very, very radical view on this, but I can

defend it, and I've thought about it. We made a huge mistake

when we passed the Civil Rights Act in the 1960s.'' America

Fest, December 2023.

``The American Democrat party hates this country. They

wanna see it collapse. They love it when America becomes less

white.'' The Charlie Kirk Show, March 20, 2024.

And all of that is to say nothing of what he said about religion, immigrants, and women, among other things.

I am more concerned than ever that the country is headed in the wrong direction. And I am concerned that those on the right are trying to use Charlie Kirk's tragic death to shame those who disagree with them into espousing their misguided views about what America is and what it should be.

This resolution does just that, so I must oppose it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend an outstanding Mississippian, Mr. Casey D. Younger, Sr., for his exemplary academic achievements, athletic excellence, professional success, and recent induction into the Millsaps College Athletics Hall of Fame.

A native of Vicksburg, Mississippi, Mr. Younger has always demonstrated a commitment to excellence. A proud graduate of Vicksburg High School, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Millsaps College in 2008, where he stood out as both a scholar and an athlete. He was named to the Dean's List, served as Chair of the Political Science Club, and received several athletic honors, including selection to the National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society, the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Team, and NCAA Football All-American honors.

Mr. Younger continued his academic pursuits at the Mississippi College School of Law, earning his Juris Doctor degree in 2012. During his time in law school, he was awarded the Best Paper Award in the Constitutional Law Seminar, the John B. Fareese Trial Advocacy Scholarship, and the prestigious R. Jess Brown Award. He also held leadership roles as Vice President of the Black Law Students Association, Editor of The African American Law School Survival Guide, Chair of the Thurgood Marshall Trial Practice Team, and served as a Star Mentor to his peers.

Today, Mr. Younger is a respected attorney based in Jackson, Mississippi. His primary areas of legal practice include medical malpractice defense, motor vehicle defense, nursing home and long-term care defense, premises liability, products liability, and workers' compensation defense.

His athletic legacy continues to be recognized. In 2021, Mr. Younger was named to the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) 30th Anniversary Football Team and inducted into the Vicksburg Warren School District's Athletics Hall of Fame. Now, in 2025, Millsaps College has honored him as a member of its Athletics Hall of Fame--a fitting recognition of his contributions to collegiate athletics and leadership on and off the field.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the remarkable life and accomplishments of M. Casey D. Younger, Sr. He is a shining example of the talent, discipline, and integrity that Mississippi produces and a role model for future generations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Mayor Johnnie Mae Neal, and outstanding public servant and dedicated community leader who has faithfully served the Town of Sidon, Mississippi.

Mayor Neal has long been a champion for civic engagement, health equity, and grassroots outreach. Under her leadership, Sidon has taken vital steps to improve access to essential services and empower its citizens through direct community involvement. Notably, during the 2020 U.S. Census campaign, Mayor Neal led efforts to ensure that every resident of Sidon was counted. She hosted local town halls, provided free protective gear during the COVID-19 pandemic, and made it a priority to offer health screenings and voter education--actions that reflect both her compassion and foresight.

Her commitment to public service exemplifies the spirit of rural leadership, where resources may be limited, but determination and love for one's community are boundless. Mayor Neal's vision and integrity have earned her the deep respect of her constituents and peers alike.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Mayor Johnnie Mae Neal for her unwavering dedication to the people of Sidon. Her efforts reflect the best of what local government can be-- responsive, inclusive, and people-centered.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable leadership and lifelong contributions of Mrs. Katie Blount, whose tenure as Director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) has left an enduring mark on our state.

Mrs. Blount began her career at Mississippi Department of Archives and history in 1994 as a public relations coordinator and steadily rose through the ranks. She served as assistant to the director for communication, working under former directors Elbert R. Hilliard and H. T. Holmes. In 2015, she was appointed as the agency's seventh director, becoming only the second woman to lead MDAH since its founding on 1902. Over the course of more than three decades of service, Mrs. Blount has provided steadfast leadership and vision, culmination in her announced retirement effective June 30, 2026.

Under her stewardship, MDAH has grown into a nationally recognized institution. Mrs. Blount guided the creation of the Two Mississippi Museums, preserving and sharing the diverse storIes of our state, and she championed the public engagement that supported adoption of Mississippi's new state flag. She also worked tirelessly to strengthen relationships with Tribal partners through repatriation and advanced preservation projects across the state, including the new Vicksburg Civil War Visitor Center, the stabilization of Windsor Ruins, enhancements at the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, and the development of Margaret Ann Crigler Park in Jackson.

Her vision for inclusive storytelling reshaped programming and interpretation at MDAH, ensuring that the voices and histories of all Mississippians are represented. Earlier this year, the American Association for State and Local History honored Mrs. Blount with a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her extraordinary dedication to public history.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Katie Blount for her steadfast commitment to preserving the heritage of Mississippi and for her outstanding service to our communities. Her leadership has endured that future generations will better understand and appreciate the rich and complex history of our state.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career and service of Mr. Dexter Brim, a lifelong resident of Canton, Mississippi, who has dedicated more than a decade to educating and mentoring young people in his community.

For 11 years, Mr. Brim has taught history with passion, purpose, and a steadfast belief that ``All students are capable of learning.'' Through his instruction, he has earned the respect of his students, colleagues, and community, building a reputation for excellence and commitment. His leadership recently came full circle as he joined the administration team at Nichols Middle School, the very school he once attended. As he has said, ``Serving in this capacity is not only a professional milestone but also a deeply personal privilege. I am proud to give back to the community that shaped me and to help lead the next generation of learners with dedication, heart, and a deep sense of purpose.''

Mr. Brim is a proud graduate of Jackson State University, where he earned both a bachelor's degree in social science education and a master's degree in education, and of Arkansas State University, where he completed a specialist degree in educational leadership. His preparation reflects both his dedication to lifelong learning and his vision for strong, student-centered leadership.

His record of accomplishment is extensive. He has been honored as a STAR Teacher and was named Teacher of the Year in 2019, 2022, and 2024. He was also recognized for his role in significantly improving student proficiency on the U.S. History assessment--a testament not only to his skill as an instructor but also to his conviction in his students' ability to succeed.

Beyond the classroom, Mr. Brim has been a mentor, role model, and active contributor to the Canton community. His work demonstrates that education is not just about academic success but also about character, confidence, and community pride.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Dexter Brim for his leadership, service, and commitment to education. He represents the very best of Mississippi's educators and continues to embody the values of hard work, service, and community that define our state.