[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 163 (Thursday, November 29, 2001)]
[House]
[Page H8632]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        JUMPERTOWN QUILT PROJECT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Wicker) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. WICKER. Mr. Speaker, ever since the events of September 11, 
people in communities large and small have looked for ways to show 
their support for the victims of terrorism and to express the pride 
they have in this great country.
  I rise today to share the story of an inspiring, patriotic project 
undertaken in a community in Mississippi's First Congressional 
District. The students and residents of Jumpertown, in Prentiss County, 
Mississippi, chose a unique way to share their words of support and 
patriotism by including them in a quilt. I was honored to be asked to 
deliver it to President Bush.
  Mrs. Nancy Johnson, a teacher at the school, conceived the idea, 
which quickly became more than a school project. It was 
enthusiastically embraced by the entire community.
  Mrs. Betty Sue Geno started the process by cutting cloth squares, 
which were then distributed to each class, kindergarten through 12th 
grade, in the 365-member student body at Jumpertown School. The office 
staff and lunchroom ladies also participated. Each group was given the 
opportunity to create and decorate the individual squares.
  When all pieces were completed, Mrs. Penny Padgett designed and sewed 
the quilt top. Then the squares were turned over to a group of ladies 
in the community who met at the Barksdale Parents Center for an old-
fashioned quilting bee.
  The ladies who put it all together were Mrs. Ruby Smart, Mrs. Sue 
Nell Searcy, Mrs. Mary Odle, and Mrs. Louise Robinson. They were 
assisted by teachers and staff members from Jumpertown School, 
including Lisa Cousar, Eleshia Jumper, and Martha Mitchell.
  Mr. Speaker, I was proud to be part of a patriotic ceremony on 
November 12, the day after Veterans Day, to present the quilt 
officially. The entire school assembled in the gymnasium, along with 
many people from the community, to pay tribute to Prentiss County 
veterans and to celebrate this very special project.
  Prentiss County superintendent of education Judy Perrigo and 
Jumpertown principal Kenneth Chisholm took part in the program. It 
included patriotic musical selections from students Kayla Robinson and 
Megan Downs and teacher Norma Jo Jones. Sixth-grader Channing Durham 
also read a poem he had written.
  In her remarks, Mrs. Johnson said, ``Much as our Nation has come 
together, our community has pulled together on this quilt. We are 
sending this to the President with the hope that he knows that in 
Jumpertown our prayers, our thoughts, and our support are with him and 
the country.''
  This project in Jumpertown, Mississippi, Mr. Speaker, is a reflection 
of the American spirit which has sustained our Nation during these 
difficult times. I proudly accepted this quilt on behalf of the entire 
United States Congress, and I look forward to taking it to President 
Bush at the White House.

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