[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 131 (Wednesday, September 16, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2288]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             EDGAR BRIDGES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 16, 2009

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, it gives me immense 
pleasure to recognize the life and accomplishments of a scholar, a 
leader, and a pillar in the community, Mr. Edgar Bridges.
  Mr. Edgar Bridges' extensive scholastic record is an excellent 
testament to his belief in the power of education both for himself, and 
for the advancement of his community as a whole. He began his 
scholastic career in Lawrence County Public Schools. Later, he attended 
Prentiss Normal and Industrial Institute. He then attended Pacific 
Training School in Los Angeles California. Mr. Edgar Bridges' 
scholastic achievements culminated when he received a Bachelor's in 
Science Degree in Religious Education from The Mississippi Baptist 
Seminary.
  Mr. Bridges' aforementioned education afforded him the opportunity to 
realize the importance of education for everyone. Thus, he became a 
champion for the educational development of children and improving life 
experiences for youth as a whole, serving as Executive Director of The 
Lawrence County Education and Recreation Association, president of the 
Lawrence County Educational Convention, member of the Board of Trustees 
for McCullough High School (Monticello, MS), and Chairman of the Board 
of Directors for Five County Child Development Program Inc.
  Mr. Edgar Bridges' record of service to his community, church, and 
participation in civic activities are exemplary of a person who truly 
cares about the community, and believes in ``giving back'' to them 
through tireless effort and dedication. He served as co-chair of the 
Home Health Care Agency at Lawrence County Hospital and Superintendent 
of the Mission for the Lawrence County Baptist Association. He also 
contributed to the community by becoming a member of the Lawrence 
County Chamber of Commerce, and was a lifetime member of the National 
Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
  Mr. Bridges' phenomenal record in education and service was 
recognized in the form of awards, accolades, and citations. He received 
the Medgar Evers Award for Outstanding Leadership, the Labor and 
Industry Award from the NAACP for being an outstanding contributor to 
Head Start, and was Emeritus Grand Master of the M.W. Stringer Grand 
Lodge of Mississippi, an accomplishment in which he was most proud.
  Once again, it is with great pleasure that I recognize the lifetime 
and accomplishments of The Honorable Mr. Edgar Bridges. I am honored to 
salute such a champion for academics, a true leader, and a pillar of 
the community.

                          ____________________