Senate Concurrent Resolution 527

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING DR. STEPHEN HANDLEY, PRINCIPAL OF TERRY HIGH SCHOOL AND MISSISSIPPI'S 2005 ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR.

WHEREAS, the State Board of Education has announced that Dr. Stephen Handley, Principal of Terry High School at Terry, Mississippi, has been chosen as Mississippi's 2005 Administrator of the Year; and

WHEREAS, starting his sixth year at Terry High School, Dr. Stephen Handley has had no problem being the man in charge. Ever since 1999, when Handley first came to Terry High School, he has tightened discipline codes, involved the local law enforcement, and added parking permits, just a few improvements Handley brought with him when he walked through the doors of Terry High School; and

WHEREAS, the school was at a Level 3, and Dr. Handley brought it to a Level 5. The school was in debt, and now is out of debt; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Handley has a certification to teach from Kindergarten up to being an Administrator. His education includes Delta State University and the University of Southern Mississippi. Little did Handley know that by the year 2005, he would have shared his presence at over seven different schools; and

WHEREAS, when asked what the advantages and disadvantages of being a high school principal are, Handley stated that it is wonderful to see his students mature and grow. He also stated that it is tragic when you see a visible fault in someone, but you cannot make them see that it is a result of their own negligence. All in all, though, he is proud to see when he has made a positive influence upon a student; and

WHEREAS, Handley will now have a $5,000.00 bonus added to his yearly salary; however, his duties at Terry High School will not change. He will still do everything in his power to make students successful, stressing the fact that universities are looking for well-rounded students. Handley is a firm believer in the Arts, and believes that all of his students should have involvement with the program; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the accomplishments of this public school administrator whose dedication has made a difference in the lives of the students and families in his community and in the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Dr. Stephen Handley, Principal of Terry High School at Terry, Mississippi, upon his selection as Mississippi's 2005 Administrator of the Year, and extend to him and his family the best wishes of the Legislature in his future professional endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Dr. Handley, forwarded to the Hinds County Board of Education and the State Board of Education, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.