[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 53 (Thursday, March 29, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E385]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING KEBA LAIRD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2018

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
remarkable young lady, Mrs. Keba Laird of Clinton, MS.
  Mrs. Keba Laird is a registered and licensed dietitian nutritionist, 
wellness coach, and aerobics instructor with 17 years of experience in 
health and wellness promotion. She has a diverse educational background 
with practitioner experience in a variety of settings to include 
clinical and school nutrition, worksite wellness, and community health. 
Now in her current role as Child Nutrition Supervisor II for Clinton 
Public School District, Mrs. Laird finds this job most rewarding as she 
helps create a healthy school environment and workplace for both 
students and staff.
  After earning her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics 
degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, Mrs. Laird earned a 
Master of Business Administration degree from William Carey University 
to further expand her business and management skills. Mrs. Laird is an 
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Exercise 
Physiologist, and a certified health and wellness coach through 
Wellcoaches. She received a Certificate of Training in Adult Weight 
Management through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
  One of Mrs. Laird's most recent accomplishments is having earned the 
credential, School Nutrition Specialist (SNS), the highest credential 
in the School Nutrition profession in July 2017. Mrs. Laird has met the 
academic and experience requirements as well as demonstrated competency 
through successfully passing a national standardized exam for the 
school nutrition profession. Mrs. Laird is one of over 1,300 
professionals who have earned this designation. This credential is 
offered through the School Nutrition Association (SNA), a non-profit 
organization of over 55,000 members that encourages the highest 
standards in school nutrition programs and it recognizes those who have 
obtained a high level of professional achievement.
  Mrs. Laird has a successful record in nutrition/fitness counseling 
and coordinating weight management programs for adults and children 
that improve awareness and inspire behavior change. She has been 
featured on local television news stations presenting on such topics 
as: disease prevention, healthy lifestyle goal planning, stress 
management, and she has implemented worksite wellness programs for many 
corporate businesses across Mississippi.
  Mrs. Laird is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 
School Nutrition Services Dietetic Practice Group, American College of 
Sports Medicine, and Mississippi School Nutrition Association (MSNA). 
She has served as president and secretary of the Central District 
Dietetic Association, and chair of physical fitness for the Greater 
Jackson Shrinkdown Fit Kidz Program. She currently chairs the MSNA 
Publicity Committee, and will serve as Secretary for the 2017-2018 
term. Mrs. Laird is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., 
where she currently serves as the Chaplain for the Clinton (MS) Alumnae 
Chapter, located in Clinton, MS.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Keba 
Laird for her dedication to serving throughout her community and 
throughout organizations around Mississippi.