[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 52 (Friday, March 21, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E231]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





             HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF HAYES COOPER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 21, 2025

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
life and service of a remarkable, professional and kind individual, 
Hayes Cooper, who the current Hayes Cooper Math and Science School is 
named for.
  Hayes Cooper married Alice Cooper, and they had two children, Leola 
and Cornelius. Mr. Cooper was a significant figure in the history of 
education in Merigold, Mississippi, best known for his contributions to 
the local educational system in the mid-20th century. He first started 
work for the Merigold School System in 1937 at the old Merigold School. 
Back then, all the grades were in one building which was located on the 
east side of Old Highway 61. Mr. Cooper worked as an assistant for a 
year and then in 1938, he became the lead janitor. He was a true 
professional and a kind man. He was dearly loved by everyone, and 
children looked to him as a dear grandfather figure. Mr. Cooper was 
very dedicated to his work at the school. During World War II when 
gasoline was hard to come by, Mr. Cooper rode his bicycle to work over 
two miles each day from Mound Bayou in the Delta heat and winter ice.
  After the original Merigold School burned down in 1950, Mr. Cooper 
decided to retire. When a new school was built in 1960 at the site 
where the Hayes Cooper Center for Math, Science, and Technology now 
stands, it was fittingly named in honor of the man who had played such 
a vital role in the lives of so many Merigold children. His spirit of 
hard work and dedication continues to resonate through the school and 
the community. His legacy lives on in the institution's name, 
reflecting his commitment to education and the lasting impact he had on 
the children of Merigold.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life 
and legacy of Mr. Hayes Cooper for his dedication and contributions to 
the local community's educational system that began at Hayes Cooper 
School.

                          ____________________