House Resolution 51

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING DR. SARA HARPER ON BEING NAMED THE 2023-2024 ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR FOR JACKSON PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

WHEREAS, Jackson Public Schools recognized the excellence of leaders throughout the District, and JPS Superintendent Dr. Errick L. Greene honored Dr. Sara Harper, the Principal of McWillie Elementary, as the Jackson Public Schools' 2023-2024 Administrator of the Year; and

WHEREAS, born in Sioux City, Iowa, Dr. Sara Harper relocated to Jackson, Mississippi, in 1996, and following her graduation from Millsaps College in 2000, she began her illustrious teaching career within the Jackson Public School District, where she has dedicated 24 years of service; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Harper earned her master's degree in counseling from Jackson State University and later achieved her Doctorate of Education Leadership from Mississippi College; and

WHEREAS, for the past 12 years, Dr. Harper has served as the principal of McWillie Elementary and additionally acts as a principal mentor for the Division I Elementary Team, and she also holds a significant role on the Mississippi Department of Education Principal Advisory Council; and

WHEREAS, throughout her tenure in the Jackson Public School District, Dr. Harper earned the distinction of Teacher of the Year at both Lee Elementary, where she served as an exceptional education teacher, and McWillie Elementary, where she taught in the Montessori program; and

WHEREAS, in 2016, Dr. Harper successfully completed the Leadership Greater Jackson program and has since remained an active board member; she serves as a board member of the Millsaps College Principals' Summer Institute; and because she is committed to community service, Dr. Harper has been a member of the Junior League of Jackson since 2018 and currently serves on the board for The First Tee of Central Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, when Dr. Harper enters her school each day, she energizes her students with exciting and engaging lessons, helping them comprehend the world around them and understand that learning is fun, as her passion for education exudes from her very core, and she continuously radiates excellence, invigorates all of her students with her wisdom and inspires them to be the best they can be; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend outstanding Mississippians such as Dr. Sara Harper, whose superb leadership and instruction as a Principal at McWillie Elementary School has truly made a lasting impact and bettered the lives of the youth of our great Magnolia State:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Dr. Sara Harper on being named the 2023-2024 Administrator of the Year for the Jackson Public Schools and express best wishes for continued success in all her future endeavors.

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