MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) White (29th)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING ELIZABETH S. MATTHEWS FOR HER YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE HEARING AND LANGUAGE IMPAIRED CHILDREN OF MISSISSIPPI. 

WHEREAS, when her son was diagnosed with a profound hearing loss, Elizabeth S. Matthews journeyed alone with her tiny son to St. Louis, Missouri, to the Central Institute for the Deaf; and

WHEREAS, at this school, her son learned to speak; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Matthews was convinced that deaf children should be given the opportunity to learn to communicate orally with the rest of the "hearing" world; and

WHEREAS, she felt so strongly about this that while her son remained at the school in St. Louis, she returned to her hometown of Jackson and began teaching deaf children in her home; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Matthews eventually received financial support that allowed her to open a school; and

WHEREAS, thus Magnolia Speech School was born; and

WHEREAS, Magnolia Speech School remains the only auditory-oral school in the State of Mississippi, and is one of only 20 oral option schools in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Magnolia Speech School celebrated its 40th Anniversary in 1996, the same year that Mrs. Matthews celebrated her 80th birthday; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Matthews remains close to the school and the children to this day; and

WHEREAS, it is the wish of this Legislature to honor this truly remarkable, dedicated lady for all of her efforts and dedication to helping these children reach their maximum potential:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MISSISSIPPI STATE SENATE, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we congratulate Elizabeth S. Matthews upon having attained the age of four score years, and commend her for her role in founding the Magnolia Speech School, which has now celebrated its 40th anniversary, and further commend Mrs. Matthews for having devoted her life to the hearing and language impaired children of Mississippi.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Mrs. Matthews and to the Magnolia Speech School.