[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 108 (Wednesday, July 18, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1274]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING GIDARELL BRYANT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 18, 2012

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a 
remarkable man, Gidarell Bryant, Jr., Valedictorian of Rosa Fort High 
School in Tunica, Mississippi Class of 2012. Gidarell was born on 
November 25, 1993 in Clarksdale, Mississippi to Ms. Tammie Turner and 
Gidarell Bryant, Sr.
  Gidarell has always had a competitive nature. Graduating as 
Valedictorian of his class was a goal that he set for himself in middle 
school and at the close of his senior year of high school was 
privileged to be bestowed the honor. To remain focused on his goals, 
Gidarell often recalled his mother's words, ``If you put in no effort 
you will get nothing in return. Whatever you want to achieve in life 
comes with hard work and hard work will pay off.''
  In accordance with her advice, Gidarell took advanced coursework in 
high school such as: Chemistry, Physics, Calculus, and Trigonometry, 
achieving many academic and honorary awards throughout his secondary 
education and as an honor student throughout elementary, middle, and 
high school. Gidarell was inducted into both the National Junior Honor 
Society in middle school and National Honor Society in high school, 
where he served as Vice President. He was also chosen as a student 
ambassador for Lead America and People to People programs, and has 
served as a scholar in the Rotary Youth Leadership. Gidarell also 
received nominations for the United States Achievement Academy.
  Gidarell credits his mother for diligently working to keep him 
focused on his goals; his grandmother, Leola Turner, was always 
supportive of him; his two uncles, Chester and Corneilous Lambert, who 
are retired military personnel, who have not only served this country 
but also served as male role models.
  Gidarell will attend Mississippi State University and major in 
Business Administration. After receiving his undergraduate degree, he 
hopes to attend Harvard University to pursue a professional degree. 
Gidarell hopes to one day serve as Governor of Mississippi, in addition 
to owning a National Basketball Association franchise that he would 
relocate to Mississippi.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. 
Gidarell Bryant, Jr. as Valedictorian of Rosa Fort High School Class of 
2012, in Tunica, Mississippi.

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