[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4952]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE COMMUNITY STUDENTS LEARNING CENTER (CSLC)

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 26, 2014

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
remarkable organization, The Community Students Learning Center (CSLC).
  The Community Students Learning Center (CSLC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit 
organization which has as its motto: ``In relentless pursuit of 
perfection in education and knowledge.'' It was founded by a husband 
and wife team, Leslie and Beulah Greer, two longtime residents of 
Holmes County, Mississippi, who are dedicated to helping improve their 
community's education and economy. The organization was founded in 
2003.
  When they learned that their daughter, Takila, would not be allowed 
to graduate with her high school class in 2001, they became parent 
advocates. Their daughter was faced with this devastating issue, 
because she could not pass all parts of the required state tests.
  Their daughter had been diagnosed with Specified Learning 
Disabilities (SLD) at an early age and they felt that students who 
suffered from SLD should be able to receive a certificate, participate 
in graduation exercises, be given a chance to later re-take failed 
parts of the required state tests to receive a diploma and be able to 
experience the feeling of marching with their graduating class.
  A challenge was presented of their concerns to the Mississippi 
Department of Education (MDE). They agreed, but left the final decision 
up to the Holmes County School District. Unfortunately, for the Greer 
family's daughter and family, the Holmes County School Board failed to 
agree.
  After much distress and frustration with the Holmes County School 
System and the Holmes County School Board, they allowed God to minister 
to their heart for healing. They later realized that things happen for 
a reason and that what happened to their family was predestined. It was 
at that moment that they made a vow to help others in a way that the 
school district was unable to help Takila, their daughter.
  Thus, the Community Students Learning Center (CSLC) was born in their 
hearts and minds. They became desperate parents who wanted to save 
other families from the pain and ridicule their family suffered.
  Today, the Community Students Learning Center now has a great working 
relationship with the Holmes County School Board, Superintendent, 
teachers and staff. They have even been blessed with the opportunity to 
serve as a team monitor member for the MDE Office of Special Education 
where they have traveled across the state educating parents regarding 
their rights and laws as it relates to their child/children with 
special needs.
  Throughout the difficult ordeals that Beulah faced, her husband, 
Leslie, was a ``strong tower'' for her. He encouraged her to move 
forward and allow God to direct her path. God has blessed their bud of 
an idea to blossom into a full blown, yet still growing, non-profit 
organization that is positively impacting the lives of many families. 
The idea began as an effort to assist at-risk students who could not 
pass the state mandated tests, but now the vision has expanded to 
include many more programs and services.
  The Mission for the Community Students Learning Center is to promote 
community and educational change, by providing state-of-the-art 
leadership development and personal improvement opportunities for 
youth, adults, and seniors.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing The 
Community Students Learning Center (CSLC) for their dedication to 
serving others and giving back to the community.

                          ____________________