House Resolution 100

A RESOLUTION HONORING THE REMARKABLE HISTORY OF THE WOOLMARKET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AS THE FIRST CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL IN THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI AND CONGRATULATING THE SCHOOL ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 100TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION.

WHEREAS, on July 16, 1910, the Woolmarket Consolidated School was birthed after Harrison County Superintendent of Education J.J. Dawsey joined the three one-room schools at Coalville, King and Oakhead, thus forming the first consolidated school in the State of Mississippi and one of the first in the nation; and

WHEREAS, the benevolent donation of Mr. John Read of 10 acres of land for the school campus and $100.00 toward the construction of the school building was matched by the efforts of Will Winterstein, Captain Stiglets and Jim Lee, who worked with the community to raise money and solicit laborers to build the school at a cost of $2,000.00; and

WHEREAS, the enduring spirit of education prevailed in the community as students from two schools walked to the new school situated near the Woolmarket Post Office, but those from the third school at Oakhead were brought to school on a pioneer wagon pulled by mules that were stabled in a barn during school hours, signifying one of the earlier forms of modern-day bussing of students; and

WHEREAS, as a testament to the determination, strength and resolve of those individuals who constructed, attended and supported the Woolmarket Elementary School, the students who were inspired, encouraged and enlightened through the educational process afforded them at Woolmarket, persevered through unconventional weather and health conditions to become a vibrant and prosperous group of citizens who gave back and continue giving back to the local community; and

WHEREAS, as Woolmarket grew as a community, so did the school, eventually incorporating portions of the Beulah, Peace, Cedar Lake, Progress and Lorraine School Districts as part of Woolmarket School, and having transformed over the years from a 1-12 school to now serve as a K-6 elementary school with some 1,405 students; and

WHEREAS, over the course of the 100 years of Woolmarket School's existence, one thing has remained consistent among the many teachers and principals who have served the school, and the countless parents and students who have benefited from those services, and that is a commitment to excellence in educational attainment; and

WHEREAS, thousands of students have entered Woolmarket with their hearts tense with anticipation and a deep respect for the teachers who were not only nurturing and attentive to the learning success of all students, but who were also strict disciplinarians, who molded and cultivated the impressionable minds of students under their instruction and tutelage, instilling in them an overwhelming sense of pride, an accumulation of knowledge and bonds of friendships that last a lifetime; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to honor the legacy of such an historic institution haled as a shining example and model for primary and secondary educational establishments such as the Woolmarket Consolidated School, which was recognized by the federal government at its inception as an innovative approach to educating children:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby honor the remarkable history of the Woolmarket Elementary School as the first consolidated school in the State of Mississippi, congratulate the school on the occasion of its 100th year anniversary celebration and extend heartiest wishes for continued success in all of its future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Principal of the Woolmarket Elementary School, the Harrison County School Board and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.