[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 6, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E677]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING MS. KATHERINE S. JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 6, 2014

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
remarkable student in Clarksdale, Mississippi.
  Katherine S. Johnson is the daughter of Ms. Veda Johnson and 
granddaughter of Mrs. Katherine Johnson. She is a native of Clarksdale, 
Mississippi and is currently a student at Clarksdale High School.
  Katherine comes from a community called the ``brick yard'' which has 
a strong gang presence. Her phenomenal relationship with her 
grandmother who loved and nurtured her assisted in her upbringing.
  As she entered her teenage years, she put aside the valuable lessons 
taught by her grandmother, and it was very easy for her to assimilate 
herself to what was going on in her neighborhood.
  As Katherine matriculated to Clarksdale High School as a freshman, 
she found herself becoming better acquainted with the principal than 
her teachers due to fighting, truancy, and a lack of respect for 
authority.
  However, Mrs. Katherine, her grandmother and namesake, was there at 
the school to check on her and steer her back on the right path.
  Although behaviorally, Katherine strayed, academically she maintained 
very respectable grades and became a member of the Marching Wildcats. 
These activities helped make a difference in her maturation.
  Desiring a greater academic challenge in her sophomore year she 
enrolled in all Advanced Placement classes which the Clarksdale 
Municipal School District offered. She was promoted to section leader 
in the school band and will graduate with the title of Honors with 
Distinction during commencement exercises on May 22, 2014.
  The unfortunate situation is that her beloved grandmother and 
namesake will not be there to witness the fruits of her labor due to 
recently passing. It will be difficult for Katherine to bask in the 
glow of her well-deserved accomplishments without the major cornerstone 
of her support system not being there; but in her honor, she will 
continue to strive to be the awesome young lady that Mrs. Johnson 
loved, nurtured, and encouraged her to become.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Katherine 
S. Johnson, an amazing student for her dedication to succeed.

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