Senate Resolution 74

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND RECOGNIZING SANDRA CALHOUN OF PUCKETT, MISSISSIPPI, FOR HER SERVICE AS WORTHY MATRON OF THE GRAND CHAPTER OF THE ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR.

WHEREAS, Sandra Ponder Calhoun of Puckett, Mississippi, has served the Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star as Worthy Grand Matron in a dignified and very capable manner; and

WHEREAS, while growing up and attending Puckett School, Sandra participated in sports and enjoyed playing the piano, especially for her dad to sing. Before graduating from high school, she was elected to participate in the Miss Mississippi Pageant as Miss Rankin County; and

WHEREAS, her training at Jackson Commercial Business College prepared her for her six years as a Deputy Clerk in the Chancery Clerk's Office in Brandon, Mississippi. She also worked for two years as a legal secretary; and

WHEREAS, Sandra married her high school sweetheart, Prentiss Calhoun, on July 14, 1965, a short time before he graduated from Mississippi State University. Sandra and Prentiss have three children: Leigh, Brad and Thomas; and three grandchildren: James, Erin and Austin; and

WHEREAS, as a faithful member of Puckett Baptist Church, Sandra served as Organist, Bible Drill Leader, Rankin Baptist Association Bible Drill Leader, Children's Choir Director, Youth Sunday School Teacher, and on many committees; and

WHEREAS, Sandra and Prentiss were charter members of Puckett Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. She served in many stations, including Worthy Matron and Organist. She received her proficiency on September 14, 1975, and has served on several Grand Chapter Committees and as a Grand Representative of Massachusetts in 1979. Sister Geraldine Roberts and Brother Eddie Smith appointed her as Grand Organist in 1993; and

WHEREAS, after Puckett Chapter Sister Sandra joined Willis Chapter, but she continued to serve her Puckett Chapter in a faithful manner. She was appointed District Deputy Grand Matron and served from 1995-1997 and as Grand Organist again in 1997 for Sister Eleanor Keyseear and Brother Tom Wallace; and

WHEREAS, in 1998, she was elected as Associate Grand Matron, which opened the way for her to become Worthy Grand Matron in 2001. During these three years, Sister Sandra attended General Grand Chapter in Orlando, Florida, and Detroit, Michigan; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we acknowledge the civic and charitable service of this Mississippian who has brought honor to the Order of the Eastern Star and to the State of Mississippi: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and recognize Sandra Calhoun of Puckett, Mississippi, for her service as Worthy Matron of the Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star on the occasion of the "Celebration of Eastern Star" 96th Annual Session to be held on April 14-17, 2002, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and extend to her the greetings of the Mississippi Senate and wish her success in her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Sandra Calhoun by Lieutenant Governor Amy Tuck at this occasion and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.