House Resolution 44

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE LAUDABLE SERVICE AND EXCEPTIONAL LEADERSHIP MRS. CYNTHIA J. MAGEE PROVIDED AS SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION FOR WALTHALL COUNTY UPON HER RETIREMENT.

WHEREAS, Mrs. Cynthia J. Magee, born in Kemper County, Mississippi, began her path to becoming a supreme educator at Jackson State University, earning her bachelor's and master's degrees in education with an emphasis on special education, and reaffirmed her commitment to first-class education by earning an additional master's degree in school administration from William Carey College; and

WHEREAS, her indelible educational career in the classroom began with teaching special education, where she brightened the lives of countless students for 16 years by teaching, mentoring and improving the lives of her many students; and

WHEREAS, after 16 years in the classroom, Mrs. Magee answered the call to transition from the classroom to school administration, and accepted the position as Principal of Tylertown High School, becoming the first female principal and the first African-American principal at Tylertown High School; and

WHEREAS, her tenure as Tylertown High School Principal is marked with countless instances of success; she implemented a GED program, the Ramp Up to Math and Reading Program, upgraded opportunities for girls in sports, including fast-pitch softball, soccer and volleyball, she also pushed for a Junior ROTC program and reorganized school sponsored proms and dances; and

WHEREAS, most recently, Mrs. Magee further distinguished herself by becoming the first African-American woman elected to a county-wide office in the county's 100-year history, when she was elected Superintendent of Education for Walthall County; and

WHEREAS, a result of 38 years of service to her community and the Mississippi educational system, Mrs. Magee cultivated an atmosphere of excellence, where students could learn and grow in a positive environment; she provided her full measure of commitment to the growth of her students, recognizing the immeasurable value of students who not only dare to dream of success, but succeed in that ultimate pursuit; and

WHEREAS, in addition to serving the students of Walthall County, Mrs. Magee and her husband, Mr. James E. Magee Sr., raised two children in devoted love and now enjoy the incredible blessings of four grandchildren, and she continues to be deeply entrenched in religious and civic engagements as a member of Brandon Bay United Methodist Church, a member of the Board of Directors for the McComb and Walthall County Boys and Girls Club, a member of the Rotary Club, and a member of the Mississippi Association of Education/National Education Association; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize the exceptional contributions of Mississippians like Mrs. Cynthia J. Magee, who bettered the lives of thousands of young Mississippi students by providing them with the transformative experience of education and intellectual growth, so that they may make similar contributions to their state and their country when called upon:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the laudable service and exceptional leadership of Mrs. Cynthia J. Magee, and congratulate her upon the occasion of her retirement and extend sincere wishes for continued success in all of her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mrs. Cynthia J. Magee and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.