[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 96 (Monday, July 8, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1014-E1015]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING DONOVAN MITCHELL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, July 8, 2013

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. 
Donovan Mitchell, a dedicated student, who is making the difference in 
his community.
  Growing up in Holmes County, one does not usually hear many success 
stories involving education; however, there are some exceptions. 
Donovan Mitchell is one of them.
  Education has always been one of the most important things in his 
life, mostly due to the fact that he was raised by a family of 
educators. His grandparents, mother, aunt, and uncle have all served as 
teachers in elementary and/or high schools. From a young age, they made 
sure that he understood the importance of obtaining a good education.
  Throughout elementary and high school he received stellar grades. He 
even went so far as to score the highest mark on the ACT test out of 
his entire graduating class. At that time, his grandmother worked for 
the Community Students Learning Center. After noticing Donovan's 
constant educational success, she suggested that he volunteer as a 
tutor at the center. As a result, Donovan spent the majority of his 
senior year tutoring younger students in mathematics. Eventually, the 
center established a division where he specifically tutored students 
who were preparing to take the ACT test. The tutoring sessions were 
very beneficial by improving their ACT scores and positioned students 
to attend their colleges of choice. Also while volunteering, Donovan 
participated in various community service events. The most notable 
event was his portrayal of the former Rep. Robert Clark in a play about 
his life. He continued working with the center

[[Page E1015]]

until he graduated. Afterwards the Community Students Learning Center 
hired him to assist in teaching mathematics for their summer program. 
He spent the entire summer working with the center, and positioned 
himself to be the recipient of a scholarship from the Congressional 
Black Caucus.
  Donovan attends Jackson State University where he is a senior 
political science major. While in college he has continued his 
educational success. He has received numerous awards such as Most 
Outstanding Student in Political Science both his sophomore and junior 
year, and being recognized on the Dean's List every year. Last summer, 
Donovan was accepted to study public policy at Princeton University in 
the Public Policy and International Affairs program. Upon completion of 
this program, he received many scholarships to Ivy League schools such 
as Harvard and Princeton. Donovan is currently finishing his last 
semester and will be obtaining his B.A. in Political Science. He has 
also received a scholarship to attend the University of Mississippi 
School of Law. After graduation, he will be pursuing a career as an 
attorney.
  Donovan owes all of his success to how his journey began. Coming from 
a small town, and being humbled through his volunteer service has made 
him the person he is today. He loves to tell his story in hope that it 
will motivate other young people traveling down a similar path.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. 
Donovan Mitchell, for his humble dedication and determination in making 
a difference in his community.

                          ____________________