[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 95 (Thursday, June 21, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1129]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN HONOR OF MRS. CAROLYN HENRY OF THOMASVILLE, GEORGIA

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 21, 2012

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to extend my 
personal congratulations to Mrs. Carolyn Henry, a beloved citizen of 
Thomasville, Georgia, who will be celebrating her 31st year as the 
Minister of Music and 51st year as a member of the First Missionary 
Baptist Church in Thomasville, Georgia. On June 23, 2012, Mrs. Henry's 
relatives, friends, colleagues and church family will pay tribute to 
her for her outstanding musical stewardship and years of dedicated 
service at First Missionary Baptist Church.
  Mrs. Henry is a graduate of Fort Valley State University where she 
received her bachelor's degree in Music Education. Following her 
graduation from Fort Valley State University, Mrs. Henry enrolled in 
Valdosta State University where she would receive her master's degree 
in Music Education. She attended the University of Georgia for advanced 
studies in Vocal Pedagogy and received training in Choral Conducting 
from renowned conductors Rodney Eichenberger and Dr. Andre Thomas of 
Florida State University.
  As an advocate for quality education and sound musical training for 
our nation's school children, Mrs. Henry served as a public school 
music teacher for 37 years in both Thomas County and Berrien County, 
Georgia. Over the course of her teaching career, Mrs. Henry also served 
as the Director of the Community Choir at Thomas University and as an 
Adjunct Music Instructor at Georgia Southwestern University.
  To go along with her many academic and music education 
accomplishments, Mrs. Henry has received acclaim as a vocalist and 
music administrator. She is an original member of the world renowned 
Georgia Mass Choir and she was selected as one of the choir members to 
perform in the movie, ``The Preacher's Wife,'' starring Whitney Houston 
and Denzel Washington.
  Currently, Mrs. Henry is the Founder and Artistic Director of the 
C.H.A.R.M. School, a private music studio for voice and piano students 
in Thomasville, Georgia. This studio serves as a preeminent training 
center for future musicians and artist performers. In conjunction with 
her musical commitments at the C.H.A.R.M. School and at First 
Missionary Baptist Church, Mrs. Henry also serves as the Music Director 
of Bethany Congregational Church in Thomasville, Georgia.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Mrs. 
Carolyn Henry, a beloved educator, magnificent vocalist and outstanding 
role model, as she and her loved ones celebrate her many years of 
musical achievement and dedicated community service on behalf of First 
Missionary Baptist Church and the Thomas County, Georgia community.
  Enjoy your anniversary celebration Mrs. Henry! May God continue to 
bless you and may you have many, many more years of musical excellence.

                          ____________________