[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 73 (Friday, May 14, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E853]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING WILLIAM FLEWELLEN HEARD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. TRAVIS W. CHILDERS

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 14, 2010

  Mr. CHILDERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a very special 
Mississippian. William Flewellen Heard of Tupelo, Mississippi, is an 
accomplished artist who has overcome adversity and has become an 
inspiration to many.
  William graduated from Tupelo High School in 1994. After high school, 
he began basic training in the Army National Guard as a Medical 
Specialist. In 1996, he enrolled at Mississippi State University 
majoring in Business and Furniture Productions.
  On March 14, 2000, William was involved in a car accident that left 
him quadriplegic. During his rehabilitation William found a love for 
art. Through his art and disability William has been able to inspire 
others who have suffered similar injuries.
  Today, William teaches an art class for people with spinal cord 
injuries and traumatic brain injuries sponsored by the Spinal Cord 
Trust Fund of Mississippi. He is a state board member for a nonprofit 
organization, LIFE of Mississippi. He is also a member of the Northeast 
Mississippi Art Association and tours church youth groups and 
elementary schools talking about his disability and art.
  In 2005, William won ``Best in Show'' at a juried exhibit at the 
Gumtree Museum of Art in Tupelo. In 2007, William won third place at 
the Gumtree Art Festival with over 100 artist's participation.
  I applaud William's achievements and I hope he will continue to guide 
others and represent Mississippi's First District. I urge my colleagues 
to join me today in recognizing William Heard for his extraordinary 
efforts and service spent mentoring young people in Mississippi.