[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 138 (Tuesday, August 23, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E871-E872]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING STEPHANIE PATTERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 23, 2022

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
remarkable public servant, Alderwoman Stephanie Patterson.
  Alderwoman Patterson was born and raised in Oakland, Mississippi, 
where at least five generations of her family have lived and 
contributed. At 43 years old, she is a member of the younger generation 
with high hopes and dreams for her community. Known for her generous 
heart and the love of her community, she has served one year in her 
first term on the Town of Oakland's Board. Within the first year of her 
term, she helped found the Oakland Area Chamber of Commerce and serves 
as the Secretary/Treasurer, and she is on the Oakland Beautification 
Committee. Also, she was co-chair of Oakland's first Juneteenth 
Celebration this year. Alderwoman Patterson pulled together with other 
members of the community to pass a 2 percent prepared food tax. This 
tax passed with 100 percent of those voting supporting this.
  Alderwoman Patterson is recognized by her family, her community, and 
her colleagues as a woman of integrity, service, and compassion for her 
community. She is a member of and regularly attends Parrish Grove M.B. 
Church in Oakland, where she is Youth President, and Director of 
Vacation Bible School. Alderwoman Patterson also serves as a member of 
Heroines of Jericho Court No. 283.
  Alderwoman Patterson attended and graduated from Coffeeville High 
School in Coffeeville, MS. After earning her high school diploma, she 
attended Northwest Community College pursuing an Associate Degree in 
Business Management. She went on to pursue a bachelor's degree at 
University of Mississippi in Criminal Justice with minors in Emergency 
Management, Psychology, and Sociology.
  Alderwoman Patterson's deep roots in this small Mississippi town have 
led her and her family to work to inspire others to believe in the 
community's possibilities. She and her husband, Kel Andrews, have two 
sons, Tavauric and Kameron. Her leadership, dependability and work 
ethic combine to create her reputation and slogan of #OaklandProud.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing 
Alderwoman Stephanie Patterson for her dedication, commitment, and 
remarkable community leadership.

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