House Resolution 101

A RESOLUTION HONORING AGRICULTURE TEACHER AND FARM MANAGER MIKE DALE FOR 36 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE STUDENTS OF FORREST COUNTY AGRICULTURAL HIGH SCHOOL AND CONGRATULATING HIM UPON HIS RETIREMENT.

WHEREAS, 2019 marks the last year that agriculture teacher and farm manager Mike Dale will train the minds and enhance the skills of the students at Forrest County Agricultural High School (FCAHS) because he is retiring after 36 years of dedicated service to his students; and

WHEREAS, his passion for the agriculture and livestock industry and his understanding of the hard work required for the industry stem from his childhood while growing up in a family that was dedicated to the livestock industry; and

WHEREAS, to harness his passion for the agriculture and livestock industry, a young Mike Dale graduated from Oak Grove High School and went on to attend Pearl River Community College before transferring to Mississippi State University, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in agriculture and extension education, and later earned his master's degree in agriculture and extension education while also working as a full-time teacher; and

WHEREAS, as the agriculture teacher and farm manager at FCAHS, his enthusiasm for training his students during his tenure has translated into numerous achievements by his students, such as winning local, state and national Future Farmers of America (FFA) competitions, serving as state officers of the Mississippi FFA, and going on to have prosperous careers in agriculture, including becoming agriculture teachers in their own communities; and

WHEREAS, as farm manager, his enthusiasm is evidenced by the growth of the FCAHS 320-acre campus which now includes nearly two hundred head of livestock, a commercial cow/calf operation, a herd of hair sheep, meat goats, horses and pigs, and the numerous wins by his students in local and state livestock competitions; and

WHEREAS, under Mr. Dale's leadership, students not only meet the daily needs of the livestock, but also are challenged to solve problems that arise, such as building fences, constructing barns, administering vaccines, managing pastureland, cutting hay, welding projects and much more and how to use these resources to understand the origins of their food and fiber; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Dale's guidance has been instrumental in helping students prepare their animals for local, district and state level shows such as the State Fair and the Dixie National Livestock Show, and he can also be credited for playing a special role in bringing about a Hair Sheep Division at these state-level shows in order to showcase animals that play a role in our state's agriculture sector; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Dale has earned countless awards which recognize his talents as an outstanding educator; and

WHEREAS, many in the agriculture, livestock and education arenas have recognized and celebrated Mr. Dale's many efforts with countless awards and recognition; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Dale has not only been dedicated to his students, but he has always been especially dedicated to his wife Cheryl, who is the Dean of the School of Business at William Carey University, and their triplet sons -- Landon, Linden and Logan, all of whom graduated from FCAHS and went on to receive their bachelor degrees from Mississippi State University, and have successful careers tied to the agricultural industry; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Dale encompasses all aspects of the best of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) creed which can be summed up in the final statement of the creed, which states, "I believe that American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and that I can exert an influence in my home and community which will stand solid for my part in that inspiring task."; and

WHEREAS, as shown by his many contributions to his students and the industry, he has exerted positive influences in his community and home by creating traditions within and beyond FCAHS and the Mississippi FFA Association; and

WHEREAS, many families and business people revere Mr. Mike Dale because they have witnessed the countless hours of time spent to nurture the talents of his students coupled with his passion for the agricultural industry, which have left an impressive impact that will forever "stand solid" for his part in shaping the future of Mississippi's agriculture industry; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to honor educators such as Mr. Mike Dale whose passion and commitment to his students are immeasurable and enhance the minds and lives of our youth and one of our most treasured industries, Agriculture:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby honor agriculture teacher and farm manager Mr. Mike Dale for his 36 years of dedicated service to the students of Forrest County Agricultural High School and congratulate him upon his retirement.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mike Dale and to the members of Capitol Press Corps.