House Resolution 168

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE ESTEEMED AND LAUDABLE LEGISLATIVE CAREER AND PUBLIC SERVICE OF THE MOST HONORABLE, DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN FROM DESOTO, REPRESENTATIVE JERRY DARNELL.

WHEREAS, the honorable and distinguished Gentleman from Desoto, Representative Jerry Darnell has announced his plans for retirement from the Mississippi House of Representatives at the conclusion of the 2023 Regular Session of the Mississippi Legislature, after tirelessly working on behalf of the citizens of Mississippi and House District 28, which encompasses Desoto County, marking a triumphant end to four years of legislative service in the hallowed halls of the Mississippi State Capitol; and

WHEREAS, before assuming his seat as the member of the Mississippi House of Representatives from District 28 in 2020, Representative Darnell, who graduated with his bachelor of arts degree from the University of Mississippi in 1985 and his master of education in educational leadership from the University of Mississippi in 1989, served as a teacher at Independence High School from 1987 until 1993, as the assistant principal at Hope Sullivan Elementary School from 1993 until 1997, as the principal of Hope Sullivan Elementary School from 1997 until 2006, as the principal of Hernando Middle School from 2006 until 2009, as the principal of Oak Grove Central Elementary School from 2009 until 2012, as the Chief Academic Officer from 2012 until 2019, when he retired from the Desoto County schools on September 30, 2019; and

WHEREAS, upon his election to the Mississippi House, Jerry Darnell became the distinguished Gentleman from Desoto upon being sworn into office on the first day of his first legislative session in January 2020, and wasted no time requesting the legislation, amendments and reports that would help effectuate into law the ideologies and policy changes that his constituents had elected him to further; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure as a legislator, Representative Darnell has served on the following committees: Forestry as Vice Chairperson, Conservation and Water Resources, County Affairs, Transportation and Universities and Colleges; and

WHEREAS, not one to limit his community involvement to the Legislature, Representative Darnell has always been active in his district and dedicated to improving the quality of life for all citizens, as evidenced by his service as an alderman for the City of Coldwater, Mississippi, from 1988 until 1998, his affiliation as a member of the Mississippi Association of School Administrators and the Mississippi Professional Education, and his receipt of the Principal of the Year Award in 2001; and

WHEREAS, the members of the House of Representatives will cherish the bond and common goals for the betterment of this great state shared with the Honorable Representative Jerry Darnell over the course of the past four years, and that his impeccable service was unparalleled to the Mississippi Legislature and to the constituents of District 28; and

WHEREAS, throughout his tenure in public office, Representative Darnell has been showered with continued support, encouragement and love from his family, including: his wife Gay, and their three children, Allen (Katie), Brady and Carson; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to honor the indelible legacy of remarkable service of our colleague and friend, Representative Jerry Darnell, who represented his district, this body and the people of this state with honor and intrepid dignity:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the esteemed and laudable legislative career and public service of the most honorable, distinguished Gentleman from Desoto, Representative Jerry Darnell, and express fondest respect and best wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors.

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