[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 110 (Monday, July 23, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1297]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       HONORING KATHERINE TANKSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 23, 2012

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. 
Katherine Tankson. Katherine has shown what can be done through 
tenacity, dedication and a desire to serve others.
  Katherine Tankson is a native of Sharkey County and resides in 
Rolling Fork, Mississippi. She has served in the educational arena for 
a total of 42 years. This included 12 years in the South Delta School 
District as a classroom teacher and 19 years as an administrator, 
before her first retirement in December of 2000. The South Delta School 
District is located in the Mississippi Delta and serves the students of 
Sharkey and Issaquena Counties with a present enrollment of 988 
students.
  Upon receiving her Bachelor's of Science Degree in Business Education 
from Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, MS in 1969, her 
only desire was to return to her hometown to teach with the goal of 
helping to make a difference in the lives of children. Mrs. Tankson has 
received two master's degrees. She has a Master's Degree in English 
from Jackson State University, in Jackson, MS, and her second Master's 
Degree is in Education Administration and Supervision from Delta State 
University in Cleveland, MS.
  During her tenure with South Delta School District, she served as the 
auditor in the district for the International Curriculum Management 
Audit Center, Inc., located in Huxley, Iowa. In that position she 
conducted curriculum management audits in school districts in the 
Bermuda territory of the United Kingdom, also on the United States in 
the States of Georgia and California. She was appointed by the 
Mississippi Department of Education to serve as auditor throughout the 
State in various schools selected by the State.
  In January 2001, she was employed with the Mississippi Department of 
Education as Project Director for the Technology Academy for School 
Leaders (TASL) until June 2004. As the director she worked with 
superintendents, principals, and other administrators across the State 
in the areas of technology and curriculum development.
  In July 2006, she returned to the South Delta School District where 
she currently serves as Superintendent. Under her leadership, 
significant progress has been made in changing the culture of the 
district and the schools. An increase in necessary resources critical 
to the success of being effective teachers, administrators, and 
instructional leaders has flourished in the district. As a result the 
district and schools have seen significant increases in student 
achievement, and improvements in classroom delivery and instruction 
through the use of 21st century technology. The district has also 
undergone $4 million dollars in renovation at the South Delta High 
School which has produced a by-product of improved parent and community 
involvement to say the least.
  Mrs. Tankson's career in education is long standing--after 31 years, 
retiring in 2000, she came out of retirement and gave 11 more years to 
educating and leading before retiring again June 30, 2012. Those 11 
more years give her that grand total of 42 years in education, which is 
worthy of recognition. She is still an active member of numerous 
educational organizations.
  Although she has left her footprints through schools in various 
States in the U.S. including the Bermuda territory, her love for 
Mississippi is where she started and ended her career. Providing the 
students of the South Delta School District in Rolling Fork, MS with a 
quality education is her passion. Her contribution to education will be 
forever appreciated for the countless number of students she has 
touched guiding them to the path of success. She has not only had a 
positive impact on students but also parents, teachers, and even 
community members, and for that too she will be appreciated.
  She married her high school sweetheart, James Tankson, a retired 
educator of 40 years, and they have three beautiful daughters, Dr. 
Jeanetta Denise Tankson, Dr. Janice Valencia Tankson, and Ms. Jamie 
Alicia Tankson-Cunningham who is also aspiring to acquire her doctoral 
degree in education. Her son-in-law, Rev. Therman Cunningham, Jr. is 
currently working toward a doctoral degree in theology. Mrs. Tankson 
also has two precious, loving granddaughters--Trinity Alicia Cunningham 
and Taylor LeAnn Cunningham.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask our colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. 
Katherine Tankson for her passion and dedication to the South Delta 
School District in Rolling Fork, MS.

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