House Resolution 100

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING MRS. EMILY NELSON FOR HER EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT FOR DESOTO COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT.

WHEREAS, Emily Nelson, who serves the DeSoto County School District as its Executive Director of Leadership Development, has ensured, throughout her tenure, that the gifted students she serves are given every opportunity available to maximize their potential; and

WHEREAS, the Office of Leadership and Development coordinates Gifted Education Services, which include the Spotlight Program for Intellectually Gifted students, the Academically Gifted Program for high ability language arts students and the Artistically Gifted Program for exceptionally talented art students; and

WHEREAS, the DeSoto County gifted education program is one of the largest gifted programs in Mississippi and supports more than 3,000 students annually; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Nelson discovered her passion for gifted education when she enrolled in the first gifted education courses offered at Horn Lake High School as a student, and since then, she has dedicated a vast amount of time and energy to furthering gifted education; and

WHEREAS, in addition to coordinating the district's gifted programs, Mrs. Nelson also works to help raise funds and recruit volunteers for different tournaments for the students to compete in, and oversaw a John Grisham book raffle that raised $5,505 to help the district stage its debate competition; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of her hard work and leadership, Mrs. Nelson was honored to receive the First Congressional District Outstanding Advocate for the Gifted Award in 2011, and the first year the distinction was awarded by the Mississippi Association for Gifted Children; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the great educators and leaders of this state, such as Mrs. Emily Nelson, who work tirelessly to develop the young minds of this state, who are its future:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Mrs. Emily Nelson for her outstanding work and service to the gifted children of DeSoto County as the Executive Director of Leadership Development for the DeSoto County School District and extend best wishes for continued success in all of her future endeavors.

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