Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Tommie Mabry, a native of Jackson, Mississippi.

Mr. Mabry has four brothers and one sister, and he's the first person in his family to finish high school.

Mr. Mabry graduated from Bailey Magnet High School and went on to attend Missouri State University. While there he played on the school's basketball team as a small forward. He also attended Lawson State University, playing on that basketball team, as a small forward, as well. From there, he transferred to Tougaloo College, where he studies to obtain an Undergraduate Degree in Health and Recreation Education and also played for the nationally ranked basketball team.

Having quickly acclimated into the Tougaloo family, Mr. Mabry was elected Mr. Tougaloo by vote of his peers for the 2010-2011 school years. Mr. Mabry now speaks to kids all around the world hoping to provide inspiration with his story. Mr. Mabry graduated from Tougaloo College in May 2011 with a degree in education and is currently a teacher at Whitten Middle School.

Mr. Mabry published his first book titled ``A Dark Journey to A Light Future'', which made him one of the youngest authors in the state of Mississippi at the age of 24.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Tommie Mabry.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable veteran, the late Mose ``Bilbo'' Allen, Sr. Mr. Allen has shown what can be done through hard work, setting goals, and aiming high.

Mose ``Bilbo'' Allen, Sr. was born August 27, 1922, in Murphy, Mississippi, to the late Sarah and Richard Allen. He was a humble and caring man who was always in good spirit. He accepted Christ on July 1, 2013 at the Goodwill M.B. Church.

Mr. Allen was a veteran of World War II from December 1942 until January 1946, where he earned several medals, including the ATO Medal, APTO Medal, Philippine LIB Ribbon with two bronze stars, and the World War II Victory Medal.

He met and married Ruby Allen on December 25, 1946, in Rolling Fork, Mississippi and to that union, 13 children were born and he loved them with all his soul.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the late Mr. Mose ``Bilbo'' Allen, Sr. for his dedication to serving our great Country and his community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a goal oriented student, Tichiuna Lasha' Funchess, from Crystal Springs High School.

Tichiuna Lasha' Funchess is the daughter of Mr. Rico and Mrs. Kimberly Funchess. She has one sibling, Danielle Floyd.

Tichiuna is an honor student at Crystal Springs High School (CSHS) with 3.88 Grade Point Average. As a natural born leader, Tichiuna demonstrates her leadership abilities in her school, community, and church. At CSHS, she is a member of Student Council, SADD Club, Mu Alpha Theta (National Society Math Organization), FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), NSHSS (National Society of High School Scholars), Ambassador of NSHSS, and Ronald Reagan Scholars Program.

Tichiuna serves in her community as a representative of the Crystal Springs Mayor's Youth Council. She is also a faithful choir member and praise dancer at Terry Missionary Baptist Church.

Tichiuna is inspired by her physics teacher Dr. Cecilia Newsome- McGowan. She says that she truly admires Dr. McGowan because with her credentials. She could work anywhere making much more money but, instead, she devotes her time to the students at Crystal Springs High School.

Tichiuna has recently received acceptance letters from University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University to pursue a degree in Political Science. She plans to become a divorce or corporate attorney.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Tichiuna Lasha' Funchess as a student who is making a difference in her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable student in Clarksdale, Mississippi.

Katherine S. Johnson is the daughter of Ms. Veda Johnson and granddaughter of Mrs. Katherine Johnson. She is a native of Clarksdale, Mississippi and is currently a student at Clarksdale High School.

Katherine comes from a community called the ``brick yard'' which has a strong gang presence. Her phenomenal relationship with her grandmother who loved and nurtured her assisted in her upbringing.

As she entered her teenage years, she put aside the valuable lessons taught by her grandmother, and it was very easy for her to assimilate herself to what was going on in her neighborhood.

As Katherine matriculated to Clarksdale High School as a freshman, she found herself becoming better acquainted with the principal than her teachers due to fighting, truancy, and a lack of respect for authority.

However, Mrs. Katherine, her grandmother and namesake, was there at the school to check on her and steer her back on the right path.

Although behaviorally, Katherine strayed, academically she maintained very respectable grades and became a member of the Marching Wildcats. These activities helped make a difference in her maturation.

Desiring a greater academic challenge in her sophomore year she enrolled in all Advanced Placement classes which the Clarksdale Municipal School District offered. She was promoted to section leader in the school band and will graduate with the title of Honors with Distinction during commencement exercises on May 22, 2014.

The unfortunate situation is that her beloved grandmother and namesake will not be there to witness the fruits of her labor due to recently passing. It will be difficult for Katherine to bask in the glow of her well-deserved accomplishments without the major cornerstone of her support system not being there; but in her honor, she will continue to strive to be the awesome young lady that Mrs. Johnson loved, nurtured, and encouraged her to become.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Katherine S. Johnson, an amazing student for her dedication to succeed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable student in Mound Bayou, Mississippi.

Brittany Johnson is the daughter of Kennedy V. & Jean S. Johnson. She is a native of Mound Bayou, Mississippi. She is currently a student at the Mississippi School for Mathematics & Science where she maintains an ``A'' average. Prior to attending Mississippi School for Math and Science, she attended John F. Kennedy Memorial High School and Isaiah T. Montgomery Elementary School in Mound Bayou, Mississippi.

At Isaiah T. Montgomery Elementary School, Brittany was honored for having the highest grade point average from the first through sixth grades. While in elementary school she served as a Junior Beta Club Member and a Girl Scout.

In Junior High School, Brittany was recognized for holding the highest state testing scores for Language Arts, Reading, and Mathematics. She continued to maintain a 4.0 GPA. When she became a high school student, she was active in Future Business Leaders of America where she competed and placed first in district and second in state competitions.

She went on to compete in the national competition in Anaheim, California for Word Processing I and Senior Beta, she also competed at other competitions and the Drama Club. She was recognized by President Obama and Congressman Thompson on scoring advance on the subject area tests of Algebra I and Biology I. Brittany has maintained an ``A'' average and the highest GPA average during her tenure at John F. Kennedy Memorial High School.

Desiring a greater academic challenge, Brittany in her sophomore year at John F. Kennedy Memorial High School applied and was accepted to the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science in Columbus, Mississippi where she is schedule to graduate in the spring of 2015.

At the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science she is a member of the National Honors Society for High School Students, National Beta Club, Future Physicians of America, and Blu Diamonds Step Group.

She continues to maintain an ``A'' average in her courses of study.

Brittany is a dedicated citizen in her community. She volunteers in annual citywide clean-ups and is a former member of the Mayor's Youth Council and participated in it by working on numerous political campaigns.

She is an active member of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, which is located in the city of Mound Bayou, Mississippi, where she is a member of the Junior Usher Board, the Youth Choir, the Youth Praise Dance Team and serves as Secretary of the Sunday School.

After completing high school she plans on attending college where she will major in Biology, to pursue her dreams of becoming a Cardiovascular Surgeon. She lives by the quote: ``Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.''-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing an amazing student for her dedication to education.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a goal oriented student, Shantasia Denaye Thomas, from Crystal Springs High School.

Shantasia Denaye Thomas is the daughter of Mr. Richard and Mrs. Felicia Thomas. She has two siblings: Sha'Reika Johnson and Shamaya Thomas.

Shantasia is an honor student at Crystal Springs High School with 4.0 Grade Point Average. As a standout student at Crystal Springs High School, Shantasia is a member of the SADD Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Student Council and serves as President of Jobs for Mississippi Graduates Program.

Shantasia's leadership is well-known in her community as she serves as President of the Crystal Springs Mayor's Youth Council, a member of H.Y.M (Holiness Youth Ministries), Daughters of Esther, and Sunday school at her church, Greater Damascus Church of Christ Holiness USA.

Shantasia is also a member of the National Honor's Society for High School Scholars.

Shantasia is blessed with the gift of musicianship and she plays the piano for two churches. In her spare time she loves making music and writing poetry.

Shantasia accredits her determination and spirit of excellence to her great-grand mother, Mrs. Marie Johnson. She says Mrs. Johnson is a strong woman of God who has encouraged her to follow her heart and excel above and beyond, because with God all things are possible.

Shantasia plans on attending Tougaloo College, where she will major in Biology to become a Pediatric Oncologist.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Shantasia Denaye Thomas as a student who is making a difference in her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Nekiaya Jackson, who is an extraordinary student, athlete, and member of society.

Nekiaya Jackson was born in Greenwood, MS on August 19, 1996. She is the proud daughter of Amy Perkins and Michael Jackson. Starting from a young age, she was always excited about learning. She read, wrote, and often inquired about subjects that were far beyond her level. She was named ``gifted'' and was placed in an accelerated learning program in the second grade. Her thirst for knowledge and adventurous spirit led to excellence in all subjects throughout elementary school, middle school, and high school.

Nekiaya is currently a senior honor student at Greenwood High School where she is involved in numerous clubs and organizations. Some of these include: Beta Club, National Honor Society, and the math society--Mu Alpha Theta.

Nekiaya is the President of the Skills USA organization and a member of its Opening and Closing Team, which has placed 1st place two years and will go on to the National Skills USA Competition in Kansas City and represent Skills USA as a 1st place winner for the state of Mississippi. As a member of the Youth Advisory Council, she volunteers monthly at Golden Age Nursing Home to engage its residents in various activities. She is also a four

year Letterman of Greenwood High school's track, basketball, and softball teams.

Nekiaya is employed by Greenwood Public Schools as a Student Office Clerk at Greenwood High School. She serves in the Principal's office under Mr. Percy Powell.

Nekiaya is an active member in her community through various volunteer organizations. She is a member of Greenwood Leflore Public Library's Teen Advisory Group, where they organize many holiday events for children. She has participated in the Walk for Alzheimer's and 300 Oaks Race and served at the Greenwood Community Kitchen and the Food Pantry.

After graduating from Greenwood High School, Nekiaya plans to attend Mississippi State University and major in Aerospace Engineering. Her ``Super Plan'' as she calls it, is to work for NASA.

Her favorite quote comes from one of her heroes: ``What we find is that if you have a goal that is very, very far out, and you approach it in little steps, you get there faster. Your mind opens up to the possibilities.''--Mae C. Jemison. She says that this is one of the things that keeps her motivated and on the track traveling toward her dreams and aspirations.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing a student extraordinaire, Ms. Nekiaya Jackson for her dedication to excellence in and out of the classroom.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. William D. Robinson, who is a motivated Greenwood High School student, athlete, and citizen of Leflore County.

William (Bill) D. Robinson was born in Greenwood, Mississippi on October 11, 1994. At the age of four, his mother and he moved to Michigan where he attended public and charter schools. Even at a young age, his peers noticed that he had leadership potential and the academic motivation to excel. He was voted ``Most Likely to Succeed''.

After living in Michigan for five years, his mother moved his family back to Greenwood. His brother, two sisters and he were excited to be back home with their family and friends. Bill continued to love learning and enjoyed seeing old friends and meeting new ones.

In school his academic success was recognized by being named to the Greenwood High School Honor Roll, being honor Mr. William D. Robinson, who is a elected treasurer of the GHS Beta Club, and motivated Greenwood High School student, being chosen Student of the Month by his teachers.

Sports have been a passion for him throughout his middle school and high school years. Through the Greenwood High School football team, he has been named 2nd Team All-Commonwealth Defensive End and has twice been a member of the 4A District Championship team. He also participates in the GHS Track and Field Team.

As an employee of Greenwood Market Place, he has been promoted as Student Produce Manager. In his job, Bill manages department inventory and maintains product quality.

Bill participates in many school and community organizations. He is a member of the GHS Youth Advisory Council, the SkillsUSA organization, and the Distinguished Gentlemen of Maroon and White. He serves on the Teen Advisory Group of the Greenwood Leflore Library, was recognized as the Rotary Club Student of the Month for January. He often volunteers at the Golden Age Nursing Home.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing an exemplary young man, Mr. William D. (Bill) Robinson, someone who balances academic success, life skills, and good citizenship.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor, Caleb Robinson, a

goal oriented student at Madison S. Palmer High School. Caleb Robinson is the son of Allen and Josephine Sanders of Falcon, MS and a member of the 2014 senior class.

Caleb Robinson is an office aide, English II peer tutor, and an honor student. He participated in the Breast Cancer Awareness and the Say No To Drugs walks, volunteers at helping the Mid-South Food Bank hand out food to the needy in Quitman County and is a trainer for the athletic director.

Caleb has scored a 20 on his ACT, completed the admission process and has been accepted to MS Valley State University and to University of Mississippi. He is continually applying for scholarships to assist him financially.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Caleb Robinson, as a student who is goal oriented and is making a difference in his community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a music pioneer, the late Benjamin ``Bud'' Spires.

Benjamin ``Bud'' Spires is a lifelong resident of Yazoo County, Mississippi. He was born on May 20, 1931 to Maggie Burnside Jones and Arthur Spires in Yazoo County, Mississippi.

In 1978, Benjamin ``Bud'' Spires (Blues Legend) began his musical career with Mr. Jack Owens, who preceded him in death. Bud was famous for his harmonica and his well known song, ``Easy Riding Buggy''. Bud's legacy,

jokes, and the thought of him speaking whatever came to mind will forever live on in his family and making them laugh.

Bud was married to Ammie Lee Owens and to that union, seven children were born. He accepted Christ at an early age at Pleasant Grove M.B. Church where he was a faithful member until his health failed.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the late Mr. Benjamin ``Bud'' Spires for his dedication and desire to share his harmonic talent with so many.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a goal oriented student at Madison S. Palmer High School.

Toneca Pickens is the daughter of Fekisha Pickens of Darling, MS. She serves as 2014 Senior Class President. She has been an

honor student throughout High School. She plays softball and is an office aide and peer tutor.

Toneca is active in the community as a volunteer helping the Mid- South Food Bank hand out food to the needy in Quitman County. She participates in campus beautification, the MS Drop Out Prevention Campaign walk, sings in her church choir, and serves as a mentor for the youth of her church.

Toneca has scored a very high on her ACT and she plans to attend MS Valley State University and major in math. Her college admission is complete and she has been applying for scholarships to aid in her furthering her education.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Toneca Pickens as a student who is goal oriented and making a difference in her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a goal oriented student at Madison S. Palmer High School.

Khadijah Griffin is the daughter of Derrick and Cynthia Griffin of Lambert, MS. She was chosen Miss Madison S. Palmer High 2013-14 Queen and Student Council President by her peers. She is active in school in that she plays softball and was the Drum Major for the band. She communicates well with everyone. She plans to attend MS State University and has completed the paperwork for admission, been accepted, has taken the ACT and received a scholarship to aid her financially. She plans to major in Mass Communication and is a member of the High School Journalism Class and Newspaper Staff.

In the community, Khadijah has participated in campus and community cleanup-beautification campaigns, breast cancer awareness walks, worked as a volunteer helping the Mid-South Food Bank hand out food to the needy in Quitman County, has participated in the MS Drop Out Prevention Campaign Walk, and is Vice-President of her church youth department as well as a choir member.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Khadijah Griffin as a student who is goal oriented and making a difference in her community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a group of men who established the Brentwood Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. These men have shown that positive outcomes can be made across the board through hard work, dedication, and a desire to serve their community.

This alumni chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi has served as a lightning rod for other members; wherein, these members collectively seek to indoctrinate and instruct fraternity members in brotherhood, reclamation, community service, history, and protocol; to unite in a fraternal bond college men of culture, vision and honor who possess a high degree of commitment to serving mankind; to encourage through fraternal brotherhood honorable achievement in every field of human endeavor; to mentor young men through the chapter's Guide Right students; to sponsor community service to support local schools, youth and provide charitable services to low-income residents and seniors; and to promote the social intellectual, and moral welfare of brothers and service in the public interest.

The Brentwood (TN) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. was organized in the home of Vincent Abernathy, and on October 2, 2010, the Brentwood Alumni Chapter was established. Under the leadership of the chapter's first Polemarch, Dewayne Collier, and current Polemarch, Jeff Wilson, The Brentwood Alumni Chapter has become the second largest chapter in the Middle Tennessee area.

The Brentwood Alumni Chapter's Guide Right Program has adopted New Hope Academy School, the Boys & Girls Club of Franklin and Ravenwood High School as partners in its initiative to support young men 9th-12th who show academic potential and a desire for leadership.

The Brentwood Alumni Chapter has charted The Brentwood Leadership Foundation and awards scholarships to seniors and juniors further promoting the educational advancement of young people.

Other event that The Brentwood Alumni Chapter participates in include: St. Jude Sunday of Hope, Kappa Choir, the Pepsi Refresh Project, Piney Woods, Kappa on the Hill, Student of the Year, Kappa Foundation, United Way of Williamson County, and Mercy Children Clinic Christmas Party.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing The Brentwood Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. for its dedication to serving others and giving back to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a group of young ladies who has shown what can be done through hard work and dedication, the John F. Kennedy Lady Hornets.

On March 13th, the John F. Kennedy Memorial High School of Mound Bayou, Mississippi girl's basketball team won the State of Mississippi 1-A championship with an undefeated season record.

The starting line-up is composed of all seniors, but the combined efforts of each player is what made their team so triumphant. They are as follows: Natassjha Anderson, Guard; Latina Jones, Guard; Jarvis Malone, Point Guard; Aleghsa Haywood, Guard; Jakerria Malone, Forward; Victoria Brown, Forward; Tanielle Woods, Point Guard; Kayela Franklin, Forward; Kenish Coleman, Forward; Shina Blunt, Forward; Jerterika Holmes, Forward; Amiya Clifton, Guard; Frederica Haywoor, Forward and Center; Ieysha Mays, Forward and Center; Danielle Thompson, Center.

The Lady Hornets reigned supreme with a 32-0 season, and for the first time in the school's history, they were victorious in winning the gold ball as undefeated champions.

The history that was made and the work that they put forth--as individuals and as a team-- will forever remain in the hearts and minds of their school, and this profound achievement will carry them forward for the rest of their lives.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the John F. Kennedy Memorial High School's girl's basketball team for their astounding achievement and making history through perseverance, hard work, and team effort.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a group of women who has shown what can be done through hard work, dedication and a desire to serve their community, the Les Soeurs Charmantes Social and Civic Club. This Social and Civic Club has served as an informational vehicle in the Warren County community and the State of Mississippi.

The Les Soeurs Charmantes Social and Civic Club was organized at the home of Mrs. Melissa L. Demby on November 3, 1968. The purpose of the organization is to promote service, philanthropic as well as cultural and social interests. Colors selected for the organization are blue and white. The club song was written to the tune of ``My Fair Lady'' by club member Daisy Bell. In 1970, the club became affiliated with the National Association of Colored Women's Club. Chartered members who are still active with the club today are: Mrs. Gwendolyn Brown, Mrs. Helen Bowman, Mrs. Beverly Gaskin and Mrs. Carolyn Strothers.

The first debutante ball was held in March, 1971 at the Vicksburg City Auditorium and 16 girls were presented to society. The purpose

of the event was to encourage black girls to take pride in their character and scholarship. Proceeds from the debutante ball have provided scholarships to young ladies for over 40 years.

Also proceeds have been used to fund many civic projects in the Vicksburg, Mississippi community such as: donations to the local battered women's shelters, tutorial programs, art projects, NAACP, Meals-on-Wheels, Techno-Color Rewind (Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital), Patricia A. Segrest Memorial Sickle Cell Walk, Vicksburg Benevolent Homecoming Club Scholarship, donations of blankets to nursing homes and the We Care Community Service Organization Scholarship.

The club also provides the Clara Rhodman Prosser Scholarship, in honor of their beloved club member, to local high school graduates. Many of the debutantes have gone on to pursue various professional and educational paths as teachers, lawyers, doctors, entrepreneurs, military, etc.

The Les Soeurs Charmantes Social and Civic Club still stands strong as one of the few organizations still in existence today promoting achievement and academic excellence to young ladies ready to make their mark upon the world.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Les Soeurs Charmantes Social and Civic Club for its dedication to serving others and giving back to the community.