[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 134 (Tuesday, August 8, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E759]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING MS. JACQULYN SAUNDERS

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 8, 2023

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an 
outstanding musician, dedicated educator, committed community servant, 
and dear friend of longstanding, Ms. Jacqulyn Saunders. She will be 
honored at the Chancel Choir's 60th Anniversary Gospel Concert at First 
Missionary Baptist Church of Thomasville, Georgia, on Sunday, August 
6th, 2023.
  Jacqulyn Saunders has used her life's work to help others to reach 
their full potential through music, theater, and education. It has been 
said that ``Service is the rent that we pay for the space that we 
occupy here on this Earth.'' Ms. Saunders has paid her rent, and she 
has paid it well. Ms. Saunders graduated from Morris Brown College in 
1973 with a B.A. degree in English. During her matriculation at Morris 
Brown, she was initiated into the sisterhood of Alpha Kappa Alpha, 
Sorority Inc., which makes her a Golden Soror. She was also a member of 
the Morris Brown College Wolverine Marching Band.
  Her love of knowledge and learning took her academic pursuits to the 
University of Georgia, Valdosta State College, (now University) Walden 
University, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she received 
her M.S. in Counseling Education in 1988.
  Ms. Saunders has had a long and storied career as an educator that 
began in 1973. She has served in many roles during her professional 
career to include, instructor of English and Social Studies, English 
Language and Literature instructor, instructor of English 
Communications, Career Advisor Coordinator/Career Advisor, Counselor/
Teacher, Upward Bound Counselor, Student Support Team and 504 
Coordinator, 9th and 10th Grade Counselor and PK-5 Counselor. Her 
professional stops during her educational journey have included Brooks 
County Junior High School, Thomas County, Turn Around School, The 
University of Wisconsin, Thomas County Central High School, Thomas 
University, Thomasville High School, and J.K. Harper Elementary School. 
Ms. Saunders had a brief respite from her educational career from 1984-
86 where she served in several roles at National Savings and Trust Bank 
in Washington, D.C. But she quickly returned to her first love of 
education.
  A wonderful woman of God, Ms. Saunders served as church musician for 
Ochlocknee and Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Churches from 1959-69. 
From 1959 through the present, she has served as a church musician for 
Mercy Seat Christian and First Missionary Baptist Churches. She also 
has been a member of the acclaimed Georgia Mass Choir since 1981.
  In addition, she has expanded her horizons in the performing arts by 
appearing in the 1996 movie, ``The Preacher's Wife,'' which starred 
Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston, and she also appeared in the 
Broadway play ``Why Do Good Girls Like Bad Boys?'' She has also 
broadened her horizons by traveling and participating in an 
international tour of France, England, Spain, and Italy.
  Amidst all her other activities, she has always found time to give 
back to her community. Jacqulyn Saunders has paid her rent, and she has 
paid it well. Through her beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., she 
has given her time, treasure, and talent to many community initiatives. 
Ms. Saunders founded the Lambda Xi Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha 
Sorority and served as its Basileus from 1977 through 79 and 1992 
through 93. She is an example of what can happen when one carries out 
God's purpose for her life.
  Jacqulyn Saunders has exemplified a life of service to God using her 
many talents to touch the lives of countless souls fortunate enough to 
cross paths with her. She has done so much for so many for so long.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join my wife, Vivian, and me, 
along with the members of the Chancel Choir, First Missionary Baptist 
Church of Thomasville, Georgia, as well as the 765,000 people of the 
Second Congressional District, in honoring and commending Ms. Jacqulyn 
Saunders for her commitments to God, her community, and to humankind.

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