House Resolution 56

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE DEDICATION AND SUPPORT OF DOCTOR HOWARD D. CLARK OF MORTON, MISSISSIPPI, FOR OVER 55 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE CITIZENS OF THIS STATE.

WHEREAS, Dr. Howard D. Clark of the Clark Medical Clinic in Morton, Mississippi, has been a devoted and beloved family practitioner in the State of Mississippi for over 55 years; and

WHEREAS, in 1944, Dr. Clark graduated from Richton High School in Richton, Mississippi, and went on to obtain his bachelor of science degree from Mississippi State University; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from college, Dr. Clark received his medical certificate in 1953 and later graduated from Tulane University with his medical degree before completing his residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1956; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Clark's numerous years as a doctor have given him the opportunity to encounter the human body at almost every juncture in life, from birth to death, giving him more familiarity and skill with the practice of medicine than most physicians will ever have the opportunity to experience; and

WHEREAS, after 44 years serving the rural communities of Scott County, Mississippi, Dr. Clark was honored with the Country Doctor of the Year award in 2000 for his commitment to his patients; and

WHEREAS, in addition to receiving a Country Doctor of the Year award in 2000, Dr. Clark was recognized by both houses of the United States Congress for his receipt of the award, and in 2004, his efforts were once again recognized by the nation when he was inducted into the Caring Institute's Hall of Fame for Caring Americans; and

WHEREAS, his dedication and hard work to the citizens of Scott County emanates from his inner being as evidenced by his devotion to his patients, and in 2005, The Scott County Times named Dr. Clark the Humanitarian of the Year; and

WHEREAS, unable to stay out of the public spotlight, Dr. Clark was honored by former Lieutenant Governor Amy Tuck in 2006 with a plaque recognizing his 50 years of public service; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Clark supports the citizens of Scott County in many more capacities than his important role as local physician, serving as a member and past President of the Scott County School Board, and as a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Chamber of Commerce, the Democratic Executive Committee and numerous other civic organizations; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Clark takes his place on the sidelines of the Morton High School football games each fall as the team's doctor, just as he has for over 50 years, cheering on the Panthers and helping nurse the injured back to playing condition; and

WHEREAS, committed to his faith, Dr. Clark is a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Morton, where he teaches the adult Sunday School class; and

WHEREAS, on March 5, 2012, the House of Representatives is honored to be in the presence of such a great humanitarian, as we welcome Dr. Clark in his service to this chamber as today's Doctor of the Day; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the dedication to one's profession and community by citizens of this state, such as Dr. Clark, who bring great honor and pride to themselves, their families, their communities and to this great state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize Dr. Howard D. Clark for his dedication to the citizens of Scott County and the State of Mississippi for over 55 years, and extend heartfelt good wishes in all of his future endeavors.

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