[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 194 (Thursday, November 4, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1199-E1200]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING LAKETIA MARSHALL-THOMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 4, 2021

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
resilient individual, Laketia Marshall-Thomas.
  Laketia Marshall-Thomas, a native from Bolton, Mississippi, is the 
Assistant Superintendent for High Schools with the Jackson Public 
School District. Mrs. Thomas has served in the field of education for 
23 years, which includes her previously serving as Principal of Provine 
High School from 2011 to 2017, Curriculum and Instruction Assistant 
Principal at Lanier High School from August 2009 to May 2011, and 
Assistant Principal at Whitten Middle School from August 2008 to May 
2009. She also served as a Mathematics Coach at Blackburn Middle School 
from August 2006 to May 2008. She established her career as an educator 
at Brinkley Middle School where she taught Algebra I and 8th grade 
mathematics from 1997 to 2006 and served as the Girls' Basketball 
Coach.
  Mrs. Thomas's strong commitment is confirmed as a scholar in her 
educational achievements, which include Hinds County Public School 
System and attended Hinds County Agricultural High School. Mrs. Thomas 
began her post-secondary education at Tougaloo College, where she 
received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry in 1994. She attended 
Clark Atlanta University, where she pursued a Master of Science degree 
in Polymer Chemistry and furthered her studies at Mississippi College 
receiving a Master of Science and an Educational Specialist in 
Educational Leadership in 2006 and 2008, respectively. She is currently 
in dissertation status at Mississippi College pursuing a doctoral 
degree in Educational Leadership.
  Superior academic performance is at the forefront of her 
instructional goals and has led to school, community, and district 
recognition. While serving in leadership capacities at Provine High 
School, Lanier High School, and Blackburn Middle School, Mrs. Thomas 
was recognized for moving each school from their underperforming status 
to a level of satisfactory progress. She has been selected as the High 
School Division's Administrator of the Year for two years. She led 
student participation in Jackson State University's statewide S.T.E.M. 
Team Competition with Lanier High School and Provine High School 
winning first place, both years of participation. Additionally, the 
Jackson City Council awarded her the Amos Wright Award for community 
involvement and superior academic performance in 2012 and 2020, and the 
Outstanding Leadership in Education Award in 2016. She has also 
received numerous accolades from faculty, staff, and student 
organizations in recognition of her leadership, loyalty, and service in 
public education.
  Mrs. Thomas prides herself on keeping her life in balance with a 
strong commitment to God and a loving family. She is married to 
Jonathan Thomas, Sr. and they have two sons, the late Jonathan, Jr. and 
Jonah Thomas. Mrs. Thomas strongly believes that schools are ``A 
Building With Four Walls and Tomorrow Inside''.

[[Page E1200]]

  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life, 
legacy, and service of Mrs. Laketia Marshall-Thomas.

                          ____________________