House Resolution 51

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING APRIL 5, 2008, AS "HELEN ANN BEEMAN DAY" IN MISSISSIPPI, TO HONOR HER TIRELESS SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY.

WHEREAS, Ms. Helen Ann Beeman is being honored by the Clarke County Republican Women April 5, 2008, in Quitman, Mississippi, for her devoted service to the community; and

WHEREAS, a native of Newton County and a resident of Clarke County, Mississippi, since 1955, Ms. Beeman, who knows the importance of receiving an education, is a graduate of Hickory High School, East Central Community College and the University of Southern Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, using her education, Ms. Beeman served as a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher of Home Economics from 1954-1993, and she retired from Quitman High School after 35 years of positively influencing the minds of hundreds of young people she assisted in becoming productive young adults; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Beeman, who is the ultimate political activist, served as an alderwoman for the City of Quitman for 20 years and she is also active in the following organizations: the Clarke County Republican Executive Committee, where she has served as chairperson for eight years, and the Clarke County Republican Women organization, where she has served as president and in other influential positions; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Beeman is also a member of the Jones Junior College Foundation Board of Directors where she chairs the Excellence in Teaching Recognition Committee, she is a member of the Campus Beautification/Restoration Committees, and she is active in the Quitman Woman's Club, where she holds the honorable distinction of being the longest continuous member of the club with 46 years of service; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Beeman is active in the Clarke County Historical Society as well as the following organizations: the Clarke County Chamber of Commerce where she has served as president and currently serves as vice president, a member of the Board of Directors of Historic Clarke County, Inc., where she has served as secretary; the Quitman Depot Restoration Task Force, where she helped raise $93,000.00 to restore the Depot; and the Quitman Depot Preservation Committee where she dutifully serves as secretary; and

WHEREAS, for her vast contributions, Ms. Beeman has received numerous honors, such as: the 1983 Home Economics National Teacher of the Year, the 1995 Clarke County Citizen of the Year, and recognition by the Mississippi Municipal Association for 20 years of devoted service; and

WHEREAS, in addition to her numerous honors, Ms. Beeman holds the distinction and honor of being the first female alderman of the City of Quitman, and she is only the third Republican to sit on the board of alderman; and

WHEREAS, in addition to being an educator, political and community activist, Ms. Beeman is the proud mother of three successful children: Ken, a doctor; Leahne, who is in the educational system; and Alicia, who is a business owner; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Beeman is a fine example and mentor for all, because she is the epitome of someone who values making her community, county and state as a whole a better place through her vast political and community contributions:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize April 5, 2008, as "Helen Ann Beeman Day" to honor her tireless service to the community and extend warmest wishes for continued success in all of her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Ms. Helen Ann Beeman and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.