MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Harvey

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING ELLIE JO RICH, PRINCIPAL OF SUMRALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, UPON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT.

WHEREAS, Ellie Jo Rich has recently announced her retirement as Principal of Sumrall Elementary School in Sumrall, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, her retirement marks the culmination of a 33-year career in education, nineteen of which was served as the Principal of Sumrall Elementary School; and

WHEREAS, Ellie Jo Rich was born in Lumberton, Mississippi, on June 25, 1943, the daughter of the late Garvin and Golda Mae Lee; and

WHEREAS, Ellie Jo Rich is a graduate of Bassfield High School in Bassfield, Mississippi, and obtained a Bachelor of Science of Elementary Education with a minor in Social Studies from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1966; a Master of Science of Elementary Education and Remedial Reading from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1969; and a Specialist in Education of Elementary with an emphasis in Reading from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1975; and

WHEREAS, Ellie Jo Rich has also completed AA Certification requirements and AAA Certification requirements in Elementary Administration at William Carey College in 1978, and Certification in Adult Education requirements from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1977; and

WHEREAS, Ellie Jo Rich began her educational career as a second-grade educator at Improve Attendance Center in Columbia, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Ellie Jo Rich held many positions in the education field, including Science and Reading educator at Bassfield Elementary School (1968-1970); Title I Reading Supervisor, Lamar County, Mississippi (1970-1973); Third-grade educator at Sumrall Elementary (1973-1979); Instructor in Adult Education at Sumrall Attendance Center (1977-1980); Director of State 4-H Camp at Sardis Lake (Summer-1978); Adjunct graduate faculty member at William Carey College (1979-Present); Chief Examiner, GED Test, Lamar County, Mississippi (1980-1982); and Principal of Sumrall Elementary School (1980-Present); and

WHEREAS, Ellie Jo Rich is married to Henry Rich, and they have two daughters, Pamela Rodgers and Jo Lynn Hatten, and one grandchild, Skylar; and

WHEREAS, Ellie Jo Rich's professional and dedicated service to her students and the teaching profession has earned her the respect of her peers; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Mississippi Senate to commend the noteworthy and dedicated service of the state's citizens:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we commend Ellie Jo Rich upon the occasion of her retirement as Principal of Sumrall Elementary and wish her continued success in her endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Ellie Jo Rich and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.