MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2004 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Lee (35th), Hyde-Smith, Burton, Carmichael, Chamberlin, Frazier, Harvey, Jackson (15th), Kirby, Little, Thames
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE CAREER OF LONGTIME MENDENHALL HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL AND COACH, JAMES CRAIN, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT.
WHEREAS, Principal and former Coach James Crain has announced his retirement after 27 years of dedicated service to Mendenhall High School; and
WHEREAS, his coaching accomplishments at Mendenhall High School are legendary:
Basketball Little Dixie Coach of the Year 1982
Overall Basketball Record: 586 wins and 192 losses
State Championship: 1982 and 2000
State Runner-Up: 1983, 1989 and 1995
State Semifinals: 1988, 1990 and 1993; and
WHEREAS, Coach Crain was named Teacher of the Year in 1986 and Simpson County Administrator of the Year in 2001; during his tenure he taught the following subjects at Mendenhall High School: Biology, General Science, Physical Education, Football, Softball and Tennis; after serving as Head Boys' Basketball Coach, he was appointed as Assistant Principal, Principal and Extracurricular Sponsor for Fellowship of Christian Athletes; and
WHEREAS, his athletic accomplishments and educational background is as follows: at Puckett High School he was Most Athletic; All-CAC Conference Football and Basketball; All-District Basketball and Baseball; All-South State Basketball; All-State Basketball; Dewey Tullos Sportsmanship Award; Track State Champion in low hurdles and pole vault 2 years; member of Track State Championship Team 1971. At Hinds Community College from 1973 to 1975 he played football, basketball and ran track, was an honor student, received science, health and physical education awards and was a member of BSU Council; and
WHEREAS, Coach Crain graduated from Puckett High School in 1973 where he was Valedictorian of his class, graduated from Hinds Community College in 1975 with honors, received his Bachelors of Science Degree in Education from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1977, with honors, received his Masters in Science Education from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1984 and his Administration Certification from Mississippi College, with honors, in 1993; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Crain is active in the Mendenhall First Baptist Church where he serves as a Deacon and Teacher of the Adult I Couples Sunday School Class, and he and his wife, Kathy, have two children, Curt, a teacher and coach, and Carey, a student at Mississippi College; and
WHEREAS, it is with pride that we recognize the accomplishments and service of this exceptional educator and coach, who has served as a role model for many, many students and citizens in his school, his community and in the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the career of longtime Mendenhall High School Principal, Teacher and Coach James Crain on the occasion of his retirement after 27 years of dedicated service in the field of education, and extend to him and his family the best wishes of the Senate on their future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Mr. James Crain and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.