[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 81 (Thursday, May 9, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S3650]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO LOUISE SMITH

 Mr. WICKER. Madam President, on behalf of the people of 
Mississippi, I submit this statement into the Congressional Record to 
honor the public service of Ms. Louise Smith. She has dedicated her 
life to the success of students in her hometown, Pascagoula, MS.
  Louise earned bachelor's and master's degrees in music and education, 
both from the University of Southern Mississippi. She subsequently put 
that knowledge to work at Gautier Middle School, where she is 
completing her 22nd year teaching band.
  Time and again, Louise's bands have achieved successes. Like all 
great teachers, she has brought out the best in her students. Her bands 
have earned superior ratings in concert and sight reading, and they 
have been invited to perform at the Louisiana Concert Band 
Invitational. Her students frequently merit high marks in solo and 
ensemble performances. They earn placements in band clinics and the 
Mississippi Lions All State Band.
  If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Louise's students 
clearly feel fondly toward her, since several have followed in her 
footsteps. She has inspired students to become band leaders at other 
schools in Mississippi and Alabama.
  Over the last few years, Louise's giftedness has been recognized at 
even higher levels. The Mississippi Department of Education named her 
the 2023 Mississippi Teacher of the Year. More recently, she was one of 
just five educators nationwide to receive the Horace Mann Award for 
Teaching Excellence. Both awards commemorate her impact on Mississippi 
students, and they give her opportunities to share her wisdom with 
other teachers.
  Louise's response to these awards characterizes her commitment to 
public service. She praised Mississippi teachers, rather than herself. 
For that reason, I am eager to praise her today in the Congressional 
Record.

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