Counselor Connection at the CTC
January 2021
WELCOME BACK
We look forward to a positive and productive year, despite the uncertainties that the COVID-19 pandemic presents.
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY 2021
Martin Luther King Day is observed every year on the third Monday of January. This January 18, make the holiday more than just a day off and take time to reflect and take action on civil rights issues across the globe.King was an influential civil rights leader - best known for his work on racial equality and ending racial segregation in the United States. His life and achievements are remembered and celebrated on this day. His birthday is January 15th.
HISTORY OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY
The concept of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a holiday was promoted by labor unions. After King’s death, US representative John Conyers and US Senator Edward Brooke introduced a bill in Congress to make King’s birthday a national holiday. The bill first came to a vote in the US House of Representatives in 1979; however, it fell five votes short of the number needed for passage. Two of the main arguments mentioned by opponents were that a paid holiday for federal employees would be too expensive and that a holiday to honor a private citizen would be contrary to longstanding tradition, as King never held public office. At the time, only two other figures had national holidays honoring them: George Washington and Christopher Columbus.
Soon after, the King Center looked for support from the corporate community and the general public. The success of this strategy was cemented when musician Stevie Wonder released the single “Happy Birthday” to popularize the campaign in 1980 and hosted the Rally for Peace Press Conference in 1981. Six million signatures were collected for a petition for Congress to pass the law, and is considered the largest petition in favor of an issue in US history.
President Reagan originally opposed the holiday, citing cost concerns. But on November 2, 1983, Reagan signed a bill, proposed by Representative Katie Hall, to create a federal holiday honoring King. The bill had passed the Senate by a count of 78 to 22, and the House of Representatives by 338 to 90. The holiday was observed for the first time on January 20, 1986. It’s observed on the third Monday of January rather than directly on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday because it follows the guidelines of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act.
FREE VIRTUAL ACT PREP WORKSHOP
Saturday, January 23, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm (Registration opens January 4)
Congratulations to our Teacher of the Year 2020-2021 : Mr. Keith Evans
The Jefferson County School District is pleased to announce that Mr. Keith Evans has been selected as Teacher of the Year at the Jefferson County Career and Technical Center for the 2020-2021 school year.
Mr. Evans is a 2005 graduate of Port Gibson High School. He received an Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Education degree in Carpentry Technology from Hinds Community College. He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in General Studies Physical Ed/Recreation at Alcorn State University. Keith is scheduled to graduate in May 2021.
Mr. Evans has been employed with the Jefferson County School District as the Construction Core & Carpentry trade teacher since August of 2018. He is currently a member of Skills USA and the National Technical Honor Society.
Keith is the husband of Takeydra Evans and the father of two sons and one daughter: Keith Evans Jr. (4 years old), Legend Evans (1 month old), and Paisleigh Evans (2 years old).
In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife traveling and having family get-togethers (at least before the pandemic quarantined all of us). He also enjoys putting his talents in construction to use daily by building porches, dog houses, sheds, etc.
“I am very dedicated to encouraging my students (through my teaching) to put their construction talents to use and become successful in life,” said Mr. Evans.
PB & J SCOLARSHIP :NO GPA REQUIREMENT
Mrs. Tawanna C. Gibson, CTE Counselor
Email: clarkgibson@jcpsd.net
Location: 205 Industrial Park Drive, Fayette, MS, USA
Phone: 6017866125
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JCCTE20