Senate Resolution 16

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING WENDELL DAVIS FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE DESOTO COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT AND CONGRATULATING HIM UPON HIS RETIREMENT.

WHEREAS, Wendell Davis will retire as an employee of the DeSoto County School District after more than 42 years of committed and diligent services to the educational advancement of students in DeSoto County; and

WHEREAS, a graduate of the University of Memphis, Mr. Davis began his career in education as a teacher at Olive Branch High School in 1962; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Davis has been with the DeSoto County School District for 42 years, serving first as a Chemistry teacher and then as an Assistant Principal at Olive Branch Middle School, followed by 10 years as Principal at Olive Branch High School; and

WHEREAS, the backbone of the DeSoto County School District for years, Mr. Davis has been instrumental in keeping the DeSoto County Schools at the cutting edge of technology; and

WHEREAS, rising through the ranks as a school administrator, he served as Principal of both Olive Branch Middle School and Olive Branch High School, overseeing the successful integration of the Middle School in 1970; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Davis will retire from his current position at the DeSoto County School Board Central Office as assistant Superintendent of Schools for Business, Finance and Technology, which he has filled since 1992, wherein he assisted in spearheading the 1993 bond issue of $35 Million, as well as the 2004 bond issue of $115 Million; and

WHEREAS, a native of Arkansas, Mr. Davis is married to Sharon Davis and together they have two daughters and five grandchildren, all of whom have lovingly supported him in all his endeavors; and

WHEREAS, through tireless dedication and loving patience, Mr. Davis has made Mississippi a greater state by educating our children to become productive, God-fearing, responsible citizens who will write the next chapter in the book of Mississippi's history; and

WHEREAS, we, the entire citizenry of the State of Mississippi, owe an immeasurable debt to outstanding individuals such as Mr. Davis, who has passed on the torch of education, as he moves on to the lighter days of his awaited retirement; and

WHEREAS, it is with pride that we recognize this public servant who has dedicated so many years of his life to developing and cultivating the minds and bodies of young Mississippians:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mr. Wendell Davis upon his retirement after 42 years of dedicated and exemplary service to the DeSoto County School District, and we extend to him our heartiest wishes for success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be presented to Mr. Wendell Davis and be made available to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.