House Concurrent Resolution 84

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE EXCEPTIONAL AND DEDICATED CAREER OF MRS. AZA BROWN UPTON AND CONGRATULATING HER UPON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT FROM THE LEFLORE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT AFTER MORE THAN 40 YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE.

WHEREAS, Mrs. Aza Brown Upton, honorable public servant, retired from the Leflore County School District on May 25, 2012, concluding a stellar career of public service after 40 years; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Upton received a bachelor of science degree from Mississippi Valley State University and a master of science degree from the University of Mississippi, and she began her teaching career in the Meridian School District where she taught for three years before moving to Leflore County; and

WHEREAS, in her many decades of teaching at Claudine Brown Elementary School she was very involved in all facets of the school's success, a member of the school improvement plan committee, staff development chairperson, kindergarten lead teacher, parent teacher association, CCSS training, and a member of the following professional organizations: NEAMEA, LCAE and Kappa Delta Pi; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Upton was recognized as Teacher of the Year several times, and she also was named as Outstanding Girl Scout Leader, Outstanding 4-H Club Leader and Zeta of the Year as a member of the Theta Pi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority; and

WHEREAS, she is a woman of faith and a member of Samuel Chapel United Methodist Church where she is a member of the leadership team, chairperson of Christian education and an usher; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Upton is known for the following words of wisdom: "If you cannot say anything nice about a person, do not say anything at all," and "I mean what I say, and I say what I mean."; and

WHEREAS, she is supported by her loving husband, John, two children, Tisha Lowery and Tasha Martin, and five grandchildren, Felicyana, Frederick and Ryan Lowery and Benjamin and William Martin; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize the significant professional achievements and stellar employment career of such zealously devoted public servants such as Mrs. Upton, whose commitment to public service, ethic of hard work and diligence has been of great benefit to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the dedicated service and stellar career of Mrs. Aza Brown Upton, congratulate her upon the occasion of her retirement after more than 40 years of dedicated public service, for her distinguished career and meritorious commitment to the Leflore County School District, and extend best wishes for continued success in all her future endeavors as she enjoys the lighter days of her retirement.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mrs. Aza Brown Upton and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.