MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Burton

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND SHOWING APPRECIATION TO EDWARD JOHNSON FOR DEVELOPING THE BICYCLE INCENTIVE FOR KIDS EDUCATION (BIKE) PROGRAM UPON THE OCCASION OF THE SELECTION OF STUDENT WINNERS AT FOREST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

WHEREAS, the Bicycle Incentive for Kids Education (BIKE) program rewards elementary students for passing all subjects and obeying the school district's code of conduct, and student winners are selected in an objective manner and receive bicycles during the months of December and May; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Edward Johnson, former Principal of Johnson Elementary School, Jackson, Mississippi, developed the BIKE program in 1988 when two students received bicycles, and encouraged the late Mr. T.G. Blackwell to expand the program to all Jackson Public Schools, which was accomplished in 1989 when 76 students received bicycles; and

WHEREAS, Edward Johnson retired from the Jackson Public School District in 1992 and was employed in sales at Blackwell Chevrolet where he continues to direct the BIKE program; and

WHEREAS, in the 1994 school year, the BIKE program was further expended to include the elementary students of Forest Separate School District, Scott, Simpson and Smith Counties with an additional 24 students receiving bicycles and impacting tens of thousands of elementary students; and

WHEREAS, for his leadership in this most worthy program which instills pride and scholarship among elementary students, and for his continuous contributions to the growth and development of many elementary students in the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and show our appreciation to Edward Johnson for developing and administering the Bicycle Incentive for Kids Education (BIKE) program in central Mississippi upon the occasion of the selection of student winners at Forest Elementary School to be held on May 5, 1999, and for his dedicated support and service rendered to public education in Mississippi.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Edward Johnson and to Principal Raymond Clark of Forest Elementary School and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.