[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 6, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E682-E683]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING NEKIAYA JACKSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        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 Ms. 
Nekiaya Jackson, who is an extraordinary student, athlete, and member 
of society.
  Nekiaya Jackson was born in Greenwood, MS on August 19, 1996. She is 
the proud daughter of Amy Perkins and Michael Jackson. Starting from a 
young age, she was always excited about learning. She read, wrote, and 
often inquired about subjects that were far beyond her level. She was 
named ``gifted'' and was placed in an accelerated learning program in 
the second grade. Her thirst for knowledge and adventurous spirit led 
to excellence in all subjects throughout elementary school, middle 
school, and high school.
  Nekiaya is currently a senior honor student at Greenwood High School 
where she is involved in numerous clubs and organizations. Some of 
these include: Beta Club, National Honor Society, and the math 
society--Mu Alpha Theta.
  Nekiaya is the President of the Skills USA organization and a member 
of its Opening and Closing Team, which has placed 1st place two years 
and will go on to the National Skills USA Competition in Kansas City 
and represent Skills USA as a 1st place winner for the state of 
Mississippi. As a member of the Youth Advisory Council, she volunteers 
monthly at Golden Age Nursing Home to engage its residents in various 
activities. She is also a four

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year Letterman of Greenwood High school's track, basketball, and 
softball teams.
  Nekiaya is employed by Greenwood Public Schools as a Student Office 
Clerk at Greenwood High School. She serves in the Principal's office 
under Mr. Percy Powell.
  Nekiaya is an active member in her community through various 
volunteer organizations. She is a member of Greenwood Leflore Public 
Library's Teen Advisory Group, where they organize many holiday events 
for children. She has participated in the Walk for Alzheimer's and 300 
Oaks Race and served at the Greenwood Community Kitchen and the Food 
Pantry.
  After graduating from Greenwood High School, Nekiaya plans to attend 
Mississippi State University and major in Aerospace Engineering. Her 
``Super Plan'' as she calls it, is to work for NASA.
  Her favorite quote comes from one of her heroes: ``What we find is 
that if you have a goal that is very, very far out, and you approach it 
in little steps, you get there faster. Your mind opens up to the 
possibilities.''--Mae C. Jemison. She says that this is one of the 
things that keeps her motivated and on the track traveling toward her 
dreams and aspirations.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing a student 
extraordinaire, Ms. Nekiaya Jackson for her dedication to excellence in 
and out of the classroom.

                          ____________________