[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 175 (Tuesday, December 6, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1601-E1602]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING VERKILYA ELESHIA HOGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 6, 2016

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
remarkable person, an unsung hero, Ms. Verkilya Eleshia Hogan.
  Ms. Verkilya Eleshia Hogan was born on July 25, 1999 to her proud 
parents Vernon and Sheronda Jackson. She is an intelligent, obedient, 
and outgoing young lady. She is also very passionate and dedicated to 
every task that she takes on.
  Ms. Hogan very actively participates in many organizations and 
programs. She has been a cheerleader since the fifth-grade and 
currently serves as Captain of the Holmes County Central High Varsity 
Cheer-Squad. She has remarkable leadership skills and continues to be a 
positive influence to those around her.
  At an early age Ms. Hogan proudly experienced an amazing miracle of 
God which encouraged her to serve Him more daily. On May 18, 2016, she 
was involved in a detrimental UTV accident. A portion of her left 
forearm had to be amputated on May 24, 2016. As a teenager, this was 
disheartening because she didn't know how her future would be with her 
condition, but she knew God had

[[Page E1602]]

already worked things out in her favor. She never lost faith through 
her circumstances, because she appreciated the simple fact that she 
could see and breathe each day. The Bible says, ``From the fullness of 
his grace we have all received one blessing after another'' John 1:16. 
This scripture, she believes, gives her good reason to give all glory 
and praises to God.
  She will finish her senior year in high school with honors and attend 
the University of Southern Mississippi, majoring in Kinesiology and 
pursuing a career as a Physical Therapist. She is determined to go 
above and beyond to reach her goals and continue to walk in a positive 
direction.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. 
Verkilya Eleshia Hogan, an unsung hero, for her dedication to the 
community.

                          ____________________