[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 104 (Thursday, June 4, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E511-E512]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING JOHN McCALL III

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 4, 2020

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
remarkable student, Mr. John McCall III.
  John William McCall, III was born to Gladys and John William McCall, 
Jr. He is a native of Sidon, Mississippi, and the eldest of three 
siblings. His two brothers are Jamarkus and Jeremiah McCall.
  John is a 2016 graduate of Amanda Elzy High School where he graduated 
as the salutatorian of his class. Currently, he serves as a member of 
the choir and volunteer sound engineer at his church, St. James Temple 
of Deliverance C.O.G.I.C. in Cruger, MS.
  As a Presidential Scholar at MVSU, McCall is a member of the Alpha 
Lambda Delta Honor Society and was appointed as the chapter's 
Historian. Growing up, he developed an interest in the arts and has 
continued to cultivate that interest throughout his matriculation at 
MVSU. John has always been fascinated with various forms of art--
particularly film and performances by historical and modern actors. His 
career goal is to become a film director and professional actor.
  John recently graduated from Mississippi Valley State University as 
the valedictorian of his class with a 4.0 grade point average. He 
received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications with an 
emphasis in Broadcasting and a minor in Business Administration. He 
also represented The Valley as Mister Mississippi Valley State 
University during the 2019-2020 academic school year.
  While at MVSU, he directed and starred in various productions, 
including two short films--``The Contrast Between a Boy and a Man'' 
and, ``Leopard Highway.'' In addition, he has directed and starred in a 
small three-episode mini-series entitled ``Fading Corners,'' and has 
directed a music video entitled ``Invisible,'' which was performed by 
Timothy Adams Jr., a cousin, good friend, and upcoming artist. John has 
starred in numerous theatrical skits at his church as well as MVSU, 
including, ``Family: An Adaptation'' and ``The New Mrs. Jones.'' John 
said he has fallen in love with the power of storytelling.
  McCall aspires to live a life filled with gratitude. He is grateful 
to God for life and His direction, which he finds in His Word. 
Moreover, he is grateful to his parents for all the days and nights 
they have worked hard to put food on the table and to ensure that he 
and his brothers are well taken care of. He is also thankful for the 
ways they've nurtured him through life and for the prayers they have 
sent up on his behalf. Lastly, he is grateful for his family, church, 
and friends for their unwavering love and support.
  Upon graduating this May 2020, John plans to attend graduate school 
to further study filming and acting. John is a firm believer that

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God will always have his back if he remains focused and continues to 
follow the right path in life.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. John 
McCall, III for his dedication to academic excellence, tenacity to 
serving his community and desire to be an example for all.

                          ____________________