Bill Text: MS SC582 | 2016 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Recognize 50th Anniversary of First Presbyterian Day School in Jackson, Mississippi.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 6-3)
Status: (Passed) 2016-03-01 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC582 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2016-SC582-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2016 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Tollison, Barnett, Caughman, Dearing, Frazier, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Kirby, Watson
Senate Concurrent Resolution 582
(As Adopted by Senate and House)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION JOINING THE STUDENTS, ADMINISTRATION AND ALUMNI OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN DAY SCHOOL IN RECOGNIZING 50 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN CHRISTIAN ACADEMICS.
WHEREAS, founded by First Presbyterian Church in 1965 at its current location, First Presbyterian Day School (FPDS) is housed within the church in the historic Belhaven neighborhood near downtown Jackson. Today, it is the largest ministry supported by First Presbyterian Church; and
WHEREAS, First Presbyterian Day School was created in 1965 after the United States Supreme Court took the Bible and prayer out of public schools in two rulings in 1962 and 1963. In June of 1963, First Presbyterian Church officers formed a committee to establish a school located at the church campus where prayer and Bible reading could continue for children. After two years of surveys, studies, and prayer, the officers voted unanimously to move ahead with chartering the school "to preserve succeeding generations strong in the faith of our fathers"; and
WHEREAS, today the school has grown to more than 600 students in grades kindergarten through sixth with a mission that began in 1965 and continues today. First Presbyterian Day School is a mission school that partners with families from across the metro-Jackson area to grow children spiritually, academically and socially. First Presbyterian Day School is a melting pot that brings together students from 25 communities and approximately 10 church denominations; and
WHEREAS, the school's faculty is well-established as most teachers have been on staff for many years. First Presbyterian Day School also provides a state-licensed nursery for the teachers' children. "All of my children went through the day school," said Laura Young, first- and second-grade Bible teacher. "We loved it then, but I love it more now that I am teaching because I see first-hand how wonderful the teachers are. They are so dedicated. As a Bible teacher, I see just how much Bible they are taught. It is wonderful to see these children learn so much of God's Word." During the history of First Presbyterian Day School, there have been only three headmasters who have created strong institutional stability for the school: Mr. Shellie Bailey, Mr. Joe Treloar and Mr. Gary Herring. In addition, the school is governed by a 15-member Board of Trustees elected by the officers of the church. T. Calvin Wells has served on the board for 23 years and was elected chairman in 2002; and
WHEREAS, alumni of First Presbyterian Day School have made a tremendous impact on the City of Jackson, the State of Mississippi, our country, and even in locations around the world. Contributions to the fields of business, education, government, law, medicine, and religion have been notable, with a lengthy list of former First Presbyterian Day School students shaping the landscape of our communities; and
WHEREAS, the school's mission remains the same as when it was founded 50 years ago, "Believing that children are a heritage of the Lord, the mission of First Presbyterian Day School is: Planting seeds of Christlikeness in the hearts of children; Pursuing excellence in academics; and Preparing students for future service in God's Kingdom in their homes, churches and professions"; and
WHEREAS, during the 2015-2016 school year, First Presbyterian Day School celebrates 50 years of excellence in Christian academics and looks forward to continuing the mission of affecting the hearts of children from across the metro-area; and it is with great pride that we commend this record of achievement and tradition:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby join the students, administration and alumni of First Presbyterian Day School in recognizing 50 years of excellence in Christian Academics, and extend our best wishes to the Board of Trustees and staff of First Presbyterian Day School on this auspicious occasion.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the President and staff of First Presbyterian Day School and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
