House Resolution 6

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE DISTINGUISHED CAREER AND THE MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE OF DR. MERVIN BAKER (BUDDY) PENDER UPON HIS RETIREMENT.

WHEREAS, Dr. Mervin Baker (Buddy) Pender has been a lifelong resident of Mississippi, having received his high school diploma from Binford High School in Duck Hill, Mississippi, his associate of arts degree from Holmes Community College and his bachelor's, master's and doctor of philosophy degrees from the University of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Pender has served his community of Grenada, Mississippi, faithfully as a teacher, coach, principal, and since 1984, as superintendent of the Grenada Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Pender has further served in his community as a teacher in the Sunday School of the First United Methodist Church for over 30 years, as a leader in the arts in Grenada and as a leader in numerous civic organizations and service clubs; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Pender has received honors from numerous professional school organizations and has most recently been elected to the office of President of the Mississippi Association of School Superintendents; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Pender has announced his plans to retire on June 30, 2005, after a lifetime of service to the school children of Grenada, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend the diligence of Dr. Pender in remaining committed to the task of promoting education, serving as an effective administrator, colleague and friend and grooming a new class of citizens for the world ahead of them by providing quality and exceptional educational programs and opportunities:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the distinguished career and many years of dedicated service of Dr. Mervin Baker (Buddy) Pender upon his retirement and express our heartiest wishes for success in all his future endeavors.

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