MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2020 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Frazier, Norwood, Horhn, Blount, Michel

Senate Resolution 66

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING "COMMUNITY HERO OF THE YEAR" COLONEL PAUL WILLIS (RET) FOR HIS EDUCATIONAL AND CIVIC LEADERSHIP IN THE JACKSON JROTC PROGRAM AND ITS IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY AND STATE.

     WHEREAS, growing up in the small Mississippi Town of Edwards, retired Army Colonel Paul Willis had little exposure to opportunities, but while participating in the Reserve Officer Training Corps during college, he opted for a military career that took him across the nation and overseas.  Now, he is using his knowledge and training to expose Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) students in Jackson Public Schools to opportunities and careers.  His cadets are averaging a graduation rate nearing 100% and getting millions of dollars annually in scholarships; and

     WHEREAS, because of his work and success, The Clarion Ledger and Trustmark National Bank are recognizing Willis, Director of Army Instruction with the JROTC program at Jackson Public Schools (JPS), as their 11th "Community Hero"; and

     WHEREAS, in the 1980s, Colonel Willis was an ROTC Instructor at Chicago State University.  He felt the passion for working with young people.  After 25 years in the Army, Willis decided it was time to retire in 2004.  Almost miraculously, Willis' next opportunity came immediately when the position at Jackson Public Schools became available.  "I saw opportunity to make improvements and provide greater exposure for the students" stated Willis.  "I got busy putting programs together that were needed for giving the students the exposure and positive experiences needed to develop their potential"; and

     WHEREAS, in partnering with various entities, Colonel Willis developed a number of programs.  At Mississippi State University, students spend a week living on campus and work in geoscience and engineering labs.  At Jackson State University, they learn about chemistry.  At William Carey University in Hattiesburg, they explore health-related careers.  He has also put legal and aviation careers on the radar; and

     WHEREAS, the programs Willis' cadets participate in have been noticed by leaders in JROTC programs in other states.  Some bring their cadets to Mississippi to participate in the programs while other leaders have come to Mississippi to see the programs and develop their own; and

     WHEREAS, Willis' programs and leadership are working.  According to a report from the Office of the State Auditor, JPS students in the ROTC program have almost a 100% graduation rate compared to the state average of 85%; and

     WHEREAS, Willis said the annual average of graduating cadets who are accepted into college or some other continued learning program is 95% to 100%.  According to the Auditor's report, in the 2018-2019 school year, 288 cadets graduated with a 96.8% college acceptance rate and $10.1 million in scholarships; and

     WHEREAS, Ward 1 Jackson City Councilman, Ashby Foote, said "Willis' program is one of Jackson's success stories, and his values, expectations and the team he has assembled all put cadets on the path of success.  He has been able to bring a very successful culture from the military.  You know what you're dealing with and what's expected.  He has brought that into the Jackson Public School system very successfully"; and

     WHEREAS, Colonel Willis said the program would not be the same without dedicated and patient instructors who go above what is expected and work beyond the eight to five model.  This is a collaborative effort under Colonel Willis' outstanding leadership.  After 25 years in the military, Colonel Willis has developed a plan with other administrators; and

     WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize a military veteran and local educator who has made an impact on the lives of so many students and brought honor to the Jackson community, the Jackson Public School System and to the State of Mississippi:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize and commend "Community Hero of the Year" Colonel Paul Willis (Ret) for his educational and civic leadership in the Jackson JROTC program and its impact on the community and state and offer our congratulations for his program and its continued success.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Colonel Willis and his family and his co-instructors, forwarded to the Jackson Public School Board and City Council, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.