Gulf Pine Catholic

Gulf Pine Catholic • May 31, 2019 9 Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony On May 18, Pascagoula’s Msgr. P. J. Carey Fourth Degree, Assembly 561, con- ducted a Memorial Day Wreath-Laying program in honor of all men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Because of Memorial Day’s roots, the Purple Heart Memorial located in Biloxi was chosen as the site for this year’s wreath laying ceremony. The Purple Heart Award is only awarded to members of the armed forces of the U.S. who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy. Therefore, the Military Order of the Purple Heart is the only veteran’s service organization comprised strictly of “combat” veterans. This year’s wreath layer was Mississippi’s District Master Sir Knight Jerry Schmuck PSD. Jerry Schmuck was born in Minnesota and enlisted in the Navy Seabees in 1968. After twenty-six years, Jerry and his family retired to Gulfport where he has been very active in both local and state Knights of Columbus activities. Jerry was supported in his efforts by thirteen Assembly 561 Sir Knights and an eight man honor guard. Sisson named principal of Resurrection High School BY TERRY DICKSON PASCAGOULA -- Kristal Kennedy Sisson has been named as the principal for Resurrection Catholic High School for the 2019-2020 school year. Sisson holds a bachelor’s degree and a mas- ter’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. She is presently the Dual Credit English and Theatre teacher at Resurrection Catholic High School and is a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Pascagoula. Prior to teaching at RCS, Sisson taught dual credit English and theatre at East Central High School in Hurley for 24 years. As principal of Resurrection, she will work with Aron Frederic, principal of Resurrection Catholic Elementary School, to continue the min- istry of Catholic education in Jackson County. Sisson brings over 25 years of experience in education to her new position. She is married to Scott Sisson and they are the parents of four children. Dr. Rhonda Clark, Superintendent of Education for the Diocese of Biloxi, said Sisson will bring strong leadership to the school. “We are excited that Mrs. Sisson will be mov- ing into the role of principal at Resurrection Catholic High School. She will be a wonderful leader for the school. There is a tremendous com- mitment to Catholic Education in the Resurrection School community and we are so thankful to all who have had a part in that tradition and continue to support the ministry of Catholic Education.” Sisson said she’s ready to hit the ground run- ning. “I am excited to be the new principal at Resurrection,” she said. “I have always considered education my vocation. I look forward to investing in the spiritual, emotional, and academic lives of Resurrection students and leading our staff as we continue to reach new heights!” She looks forward to being an ambassador for the school and encourages parents to consider sending their children to Resurrection. “Resurrection offers our students a firm foun- dation in Catholic faith,” said Sisson. “Resurrection’s high academic standards, safe school environment, quality athletic programs, culture of excellence, and sense of community make our school unique.” Sisson’s goal is to continue to help the school thrive and to form intentional disciples. “My goal is to work with not only our school family, but also our parishes and families to con- tinue forming disciples of Christ,” she said. “Academically, we plan to continue adding to our dual credit courses and incorporating a new ACT curriculum. The future looks bright at RCS!” Kristal Kennedy Sisson