[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 43 (Tuesday, March 7, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING APRIL F. CHRISTON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 7, 2023

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
hardworking and dedicated public service worker, April F. Christon.
  April Christon was born April Spencer on April 1, 1985, in Marks, MS, 
to Joyce Tennin Spencer and the late James Jones. She grew up on a home 
with her mother and 2 of her siblings in Lambert, MS. April attended 
school in the Quitman County School District and graduated with honors 
from Madison S. Palmer High School in 2003. While in high school, April 
gave birth to 2 daughters. Despite being a young, teenage mother, April 
had hopes and dreams of a better life and was determined to continue 
her education. With the support and assistance from her mother, 
extended family members, and friends, April went on to pursue 
postsecondary education at Mississippi State University in Starkville, 
MS. In 2008, April graduated from MSU with a Bachelor of Science degree 
in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Art. In 2009, April 
married her husband, Marcus Christon. They share 3 children together 
and settled in Batesville, MS.
  April went on to start her career in the public service field by 
counseling individuals with severe mental health, behavior, family, and 
alcohol and drug issues. While gaining work experience and becoming 
more knowledgeable in her field, April decided to go back to school and 
pursue more education. She received her Master of Science in Continuing 
Education in Counseling and Psychology from the University of West 
Alabama in 2012. She also received a post graduate certificate in 
Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of North Texas in 2018. 
April currently works for the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation 
Services (MDRS) in the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, heading the 
Supported Employment division. April serves the state of MS by 
assisting Mississippians with most significant disabilities with 
services to obtain and maintain competitive integrated employment. She 
is a member of the National Rehabilitation Association (NRA) and the 
Rehabilitation Association of MS (RAM). She also assists with the 
Project SEARCH program within MDRS, which recently was awarded the 100% 
Outcome Award for her work with Merit Health River Region Hospital in 
Vicksburg, MS, and the Excellent Outcome Award for her work with MS 
Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, MS.
  Not only does April serve her community and state in public service 
through her professional work, but she also serves her community 
through volunteering her time in various organizations and programs in 
Panola County. April, along with two others, founded a non-profit 
organization, Pure Justice, Inc., that is focused on the positive 
development of youth and their artistic talents. This organization was 
developed to provide social and educational activities for children and 
youth in Batesville, MS, Panola County, and surrounding areas. Within 
the organization, Pure Justice dance team was formed and has been a 
productive part of the community, promoting physical fitness and 
wellness, and traveling and participating in dance recitals and 
competitions. April is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, 
Inc. and diligently serves in her local chapter by helping implement 
programs to benefit the local community. She also serves on the 
administrative team of Connor Disaster Relief organization, which is a 
disaster relief organization that helps people in Panola County and the 
surrounding counties with disaster relief aid. April loves the act of 
service--for God, her family, her community, and for the people that 
seek assistance.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing April F. 
Christon for her dedication to serving this great State and country.

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