MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2002 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) White (29th)

Senate Resolution 66

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING ARTIST/JANITOR JESSIE GRIGSBY FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE STUDENTS OF NORTHSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

     WHEREAS, Jessie Grigsby, the Head Janitor of Northside Elementary School, pulls double duty at the school by holding drawing sessions where he sketches pictures of anything the children request; and

     WHEREAS, teachers at Northside Elementary, a school of about 700 second and third graders in Clinton, Mississippi, often use Jessie Grigsby and his drawing sessions as a reward to the children if they have behaved, done all of their homework and made good scores on their tests; and

     WHEREAS, Jessie Grigsby really grabs the young children's attention, showing them what can be done with a pencil and plain sheet of paper; and

     WHEREAS, since art is not a part of the curriculum in Clinton Public Schools until the sixth grade, Jessie Grigsby's work is part of the education process around Northside Elementary; and

     WHEREAS, Jessie Grigsby draws to help broaden the children's minds and horizons, to help them challenge themselves and try new things; and

     WHEREAS, whatever he does, whether it's making sure the school hallways have an extra special shine or the cartoon characters he draws are correct down to the tiniest detail, Jessie Grigsby credits his parents for teaching him to do things the right way; and

     WHEREAS, Jessie Grigsby also participates in the Brick Streets Festival, part of Clinton's Arts in April, by showing his works of art, sometimes giving away his art for free, and drawing for children who wander by; and

     WHEREAS, he and his wife, Shirley, have been married for 28 years and have raised three children; and

     WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend such outstanding citizens as Jessie Grigsby:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Artist/Janitor Jessie Grigsby for his contributions to the students of Northside Elementary School.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Jessie Grigsby and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.