House Resolution 79

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE DEDICATED SERVICE OF ANN TOUCHSTONE TUCKER TO THE FIELD OF EDUCATION.

WHEREAS, born and raised in Jones County, Mississippi, Ann Touchstone Tucker received her education at Glade High School, Jones Junior College and the University of Southern Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Tucker commenced her teaching career in 1960 at Ovett Elementary School, then she transferred to Myrick Elementary School before moving to Northeast Jones Junior High School after the consolidation of the county high schools in 1965; and

WHEREAS, over the course of 45 years, thousands of students have been privileged to study English under the tutelage and instruction of Mrs. Tucker, many of whom have become model and productive citizens as doctors, lawyers, nurses, politicians, teachers, business persons and leaders;

WHEREAS, the 1993-1994 and 2003-2004 Association for Excellence in Education "Teacher of the Year" from Northeast Jones Junior High School, Mrs. Tucker has served 15 years as sponsor of the Northeast Jones Junior High Beta Club, which has been recognized on the state and national levels for community service projects; and

WHEREAS, having dedicated so many years of her life to developing and cultivating the minds and spirits of the many students with whom she has come in contact during her illustrious career, Mrs. Tucker maintains an active social and civic schedule with memberships with the Jones County Cattle Women, the Jones County Farm Bureau Ladies Committee, the Human Rights Advocate Committee at Ellisville State School and the Northeast Jones FFA Alumni Association; and

WHEREAS, a faithful member of Tuckers Crossing Baptist Church, where she teaches Sunday School, Mrs. Tucker has been supported in her endeavors by her family: husband, Mack Tucker; daughters, Phyllis (Bill) Wagnon and Amy (Michael) Blue; and three grandsons, Thomas, Mark and Ford; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the diligence and dedication of our state educators such as Mrs. Tucker, for passing the torch of knowledge to future leaders who will, in turn, enrich the minds of the next generation of leaders:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the dedicated and distinguished service of Mrs. Ann Touchstone Tucker to the field of education and extend our heartiest wishes for success in all her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mrs. Tucker and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.