House Resolution 123

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE REMARKABLE AND DEDICATED SERVICE OF DR. JOHN E. WALLS, JR., PROVIDED AS DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT OF THE VICKSBURG-WARREN SCHOOL DISTRICT AND CONGRATULATING HIM UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT.

WHEREAS, after an esteemed career in education spanning the course of more than 40 years in public education and having provided his knowledgeable skill and service to the citizens of Vicksburg and Warren County, Dr. John E. Walls has announced his plans to retire from the office of Deputy Superintendent of the Vicksburg-Warren School District, a position in which he has provided a remarkable and dedicated service; and

WHEREAS, a native of Philipp, Tallahatchie County, Mississippi, Dr. Walls graduated from West District High School, and thereafter attended and graduated from Coahoma Junior College receiving the associate of arts degree, Alcorn A & M College with a bachelor of science degree in biology, received his master of education degree from Mississippi College in guidance and counseling and his doctor of philosophy degree in educational administration from Jackson State University; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Walls lent his educational expertise and skill to enhance the academic aptitude of students he taught in Chicago, Hinds County and Claiborne County and has been a counselor for both Alcorn State University and Vicksburg-Warren School District, while in the cultivation of his ability to be efficient in any capacity in which he was designated to serve, including positions as an assistant principal, principal and administrative assistant, presently serves as deputy superintendent to the Vicksburg-Warren School District, in addition to fulfilling his duties and responsibilities as an adjunct professor at Alcorn State University; and

WHEREAS, during his term as deputy superintendent, Dr. Walls has worked collaboratively to promote innovative initiatives in the school district with parents, governmental entities, businesses, industries and community service organizations to better unify and engage parents and the local community in cultivating the impressionable minds of the district's educable students; and

WHEREAS, under Dr. Walls' administration the Vicksburg-Warren School District has experienced numerous notable accomplishments, all of which he has shared with his family members, who have supported him wholeheartedly in all of his endeavors, including his wife, Jo Ella Harrison Walls; children, Joscelyn and John III; and his two granddaughters, Jordan and Jaidyn; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Walls, who is equally as active in community and civic involvements as he is involved in the educational administration of the Vicksburg-Warren School District, holds membership in several professional organizations, and has received numerous awards and certificates of appreciation, including being named Alcornite of the Year in 1997; being inducted into the Alcorn State University Hall of Honor in 1999; receiving the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO) Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1999; currently serves as past national President of Alcorn State University Alumni Association; and is past President of Omicron Rho Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the works of such zealous individuals who are tasked with providing a prosperous and challenging educational environment for our state's youth, who are its future, as has been epitomized in the service and dedication of Dr. John E. Walls, Jr.:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the remarkable and dedicated service Dr. John E. Walls, Jr., provided as Deputy Superintendent of the Vicksburg-Warren School District, congratulate him upon the occasion of his retirement and extend most sincere wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors and enjoyment in the lighter years of his retirement.

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