[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 52 (Friday, March 21, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E232-E233]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING DR. CORDELLA SHEGOG SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                        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 Dr. 
Cordella Shegog Smith.
  Born and raised in Pope, Mississippi, Dr. Smith was nurtured by her 
single mother, Reba Shegog, in a home filled with love, alongside her 
grandparents, five siblings, an uncle, and a cousin. She dedicated her 
career to education and service, retiring as the Center Director of the 
Finch-Henry Job Corps Center in Batesville, Mississippi. Named after 
former Governor Cliff Finch and State Representative Dr. Aaron E. 
Henry, the center flourished under Dr. Smith's leadership, ranking in 
the top 10 percent nationwide in student academics, vocational 
training, and job placement.
  After 41 years of service, Dr. Smith retired in July 2022 but quickly 
answered another calling--teaching. She joined the South Panola School 
District as a special education teacher at South Panola High School, 
where she was honored as ``Teacher of the Month'' in her third month.
  A proud graduate of South Panola High School, Dr. Smith pursued 
higher education at Livingstone College, supported by a scholarship 
from the West Tennessee and Mississippi Women's Home and Overseas 
Society. She credits the church women in her community for recognizing 
and encouraging her potential. After earning a Bachelor of Social Work 
degree, she returned to Pope and began her career as the Social 
Director at Batesville Manor Nursing Home. She later served as a social 
worker for the South Panola School District and Finch-Henry Job Corps.

[[Page E233]]

  Dr. Smith's dedication to lifelong learning led her to the University 
of Mississippi, where she earned multiple degrees: a Master of 
Education in Educational Psychology (1993), a Master in Curriculum & 
Instruction (1995), a Master of Arts in Higher Education (1998), and a 
Specialist Degree in Higher Education (2021). Additionally, through a 
co-program with the University of Carolina, she obtained a Doctorate in 
Christian Counseling Psychology and is currently pursuing a Doctorate 
in Educational Leadership at Bellhaven University.
  During her tenure at Finch-Henry, Dr. Smith forged partnerships with 
Quitman, Desoto, and North Panola School Districts, expanding 
vocational training opportunities for students.
  Beyond her professional career, Dr. Smith is an accomplished writer. 
Her article, The Smells of Christmas, was featured in Batesville 
Magazine, and she has also been highlighted in Delta Magazine and 
Mahogany. She has completed a manuscript for her book, Things 
Remembered, Lessons Learned, which she anticipates publishing this 
year.
  Dr. Smith is deeply committed to her community, living by the motto: 
``I stand in the shadows and push others into the light.'' She actively 
supports local Breast Cancer Awareness initiatives, St. Jude Children's 
Research Hospital, and her family's project, Wrapped in Warmth. 
Inspired by her nephew's victorious battle against cancer, her family 
annually collects snacks and blankets for patients at the West Cancer 
Clinic in Memphis, Tennessee, and Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford, 
Mississippi.
  Her dedication extends through numerous organizations, including 
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Panola County Foster Care Review 
Board, the Panola County NAACP, the West Tennessee and Mississippi 
Women's Home and Overseas Society, the Assembly of Christian Educators, 
and IVETA. She is also a Certified Licensed Social Worker (LSW), 
serving her community with unwavering passion.
  Dr. Smith is a devoted member of Pope Chapel AME Zion Church. She is 
the loving wife of Jessie Smith, Jr., a proud mother to Jordan and Sky 
Smith, and a cherished grandmother to Dylan and Eli Smith.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Cordella 
Shegog Smith for her dedication to serving this great state and 
country.

                          ____________________