Senate Concurrent Resolution 545

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND CONGRATULATING JESSICA BANAHAN MCNEEL, REPRESENTING THE PASCAGOULA-GAUTIER SCHOOL DISTRICT, AS THE "2024 MISSISSIPPI PARENT OF THE YEAR."

WHEREAS, we join the Mississippi Department of Education in announcing that the "2024 Mississippi Parent of the Year" is Jessica Banahan McNeel, a mother of three with two students in the Pascagoula-Gautier School District; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. McNeel was nominated by the school district and is described as a humble, dedicated advocate of public education in the district and community. She consistently demonstrates a passion for fostering a positive and enriching environment for students and families. Because of McNeel's collaborative spirit, she has impacted each school her children have attended and even invests in schools they are not currently attending; and

WHEREAS, as a partner in the law firm Byran, Nelson, Schroeder, Castigiola, & Banahan, PLLC, she allocates time to invest in schools, community and children to make an attractive area for the next generation. McNeel believes one of the most impactful ways to benefit her children, as well as other children in the community, is to be present, involved and continue to give back to the district. She wants her children to always understand that their parents support them and value community and the diverse people and opportunities within it; and

WHEREAS, McNeel's goal is to raise children who are kind, open-minded, intelligent and have a desire to work hard in accomplishing their endeavors. She has witnessed countless individuals who have made significant contributions to the schools. Appreciating these contributions helped foster her unwavering belief in the Pascagoula-Gautier School District, the community and Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, drawing inspiration from her parents, who advocate for public education and volunteerism, McNeel mirrored what she learned as a child. She has invested countless hours in various service-oriented activities and organizations serving as Parent-Teacher-Student Organization President for three years and representative for the Parent Advisory Board. McNeel chaired fundraisers, organized annual campus cleanups, chaperoned field trips and actively engaged in various school events such as Teacher Appreciation Week and Accelerated Reading parties; and

WHEREAS, additionally, McNeel has annually served as a community interviewer in the legal sector for the "You're Hired!" mock interview program sponsored by the Jackson County Chamber and served as a member of the PGSD's most recent Strategic Planning Committee. She is a founding member of Pascagoula Gautier Foundation for Educational Excellence (PGFEE), a nonprofit dedicated to fostering connections between individuals, businesses and industries to the PGSD with the goal of supporting and promoting education within the community. For the past 12 years, she has chaired the Rotary Club of Pascagoula's annual scholarship program, which awards approximately $40,000 to seniors from local high schools; and

WHEREAS, research has repeatedly shown that parental involvement is a critical factor in determining the academic success of students. As part of the annual "Parent of the Year" program, MDE asks each district to select an outstanding parent who has made a significant impact on school improvement efforts in the school district. The committee reviewed numerous applications submitted by school districts and selected a "Parent of the Year" finalist from each of the four congressional districts; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we commend a parent whose dedication and civic involvement in the public school system has brought honor to her family, her community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize and congratulate Jessica Banahan McNeel, representing the Pascagoula-Gautier School District, as the "2024 Mississippi Parent of the Year," and extend the best wishes of the Mississippi Senate to Mrs. McNeel and all parents of the Pascagoula-Gautier School District.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Mrs. Jessica Banahan McNeel and the Superintendent of the Pascagoula-Gautier School District, forwarded to the Pascagoula-Gautier School District Board of Trustees and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.