On Wednesday, 12/2/15, Representative Andy Holt surprised Ms. Jill Routon Wilson,  MES Kindergarten teacher, with a House of Representatives State Proclamation for her children's book, "Mama Pearl" and the Tennessee State Flower," which she authored and illustrated.

The Proclamation reads:

     Whereas, the members of this legislative body are proud to recognize those talented professionals whose influence on and participation in academics are of great import and whose expertise has set them apart from their peers; and

     Whereas, Jill Routon Wilson is one such individual who is the author and illustrator of the children's book "Mama Pearl" and the Tennessee State Flower, and

     Whereas, a Paris native, Ms. Wilson is a kindergarten teacher at McKenzie Elementary School, where she will give a special presentation and signing of her recently published book on November 24, 2015; and

     Whereas, "Mama Pearl" and the Tennessee State Flower tells the story of Jill Wilson's great-grandmother, Pearl Sanders Routon, and her contributions to the selection of the Tennessee State flower;  and

     Whereas, an accomplished professional and respected leader in her community, Ms. Wilson is a Tennessean of which we can all be proud, and it is appropriate that the members of this legislative body recognize this esteemed author and educator; now, therefore,

     I, Beth Harwell, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the One Hundred Ninth General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, at the  request of and in conjuction with Representative Andy Holt, do hereby proclaim that we honor and congratulate Jill Routon Wilson on her professional achievements as the author of "Mama Pearl" and the Tennessee State Flower and extend to her our best wishes for continued success in all future endeavors.

     Proclaimed in Nashville, Tennessee, on this 18th day of November 2015.

We are proud of Ms. Jill!