Bill
HJR 331
Publicly commend Lott Middle School 7th graders and two teachers for a video on the MOWA Choctaws of Alabama; a ceremonial resolution recognizing hands-on history learning.
Title: Lott Middle School 7th Grade Social Studies Champions, celebrated
Bill type: House Joint Resolution (concurrent ceremonial resolution)
Purpose and intent
- To publicly recognize and celebrate the achievement of Lott Middle School’s seventh-grade Social Studies competition winners for the 2024-25 school year.
- Specifically honors a student team for researching and producing a video on the history and ongoing quest for federal recognition of the MOWA Choctaws of Alabama, and acknowledges the exemplary efforts of the educators and supporters who guided the project.
- Serves as a formal expression of praise from the Alabama Legislature, highlighting the value of hands-on, history-based learning and community involvement.
Key provisions and content
- Recognition of the achievements of the Lott Middle School seventh-grade team: members named in the bill include Chasen Lofton, Danny Reed, Bruno Simmons, Dreyton Sullivan, and Matthew Turner.
- Acknowledgment of two educators:
- Mr. John Byrd, Jr. — Leadership Officer Training Corps (LOTC) Program Coordinator
- Ms. Jacqueline Hoeft — Social Studies teacher
- Description of the project: the students researched and produced a video chronicling the history and ongoing quest for federal recognition of the MOWA Choctaws of Alabama.
- Statement of gratitude to the school faculty, staff, parents, and the broader community for their role in creating a safe, rigorous, and supportive learning environment.
- The resolution culminates in a formal be it resolved clause concurring by both houses of the Legislature to commend and celebrate the students’ achievement and the educators’ dedication.
Who is affected
- Primary beneficiaries: Lott Middle School seventh-grade students and their teachers (John Byrd, Jr. and Jacqueline Hoeft).
- Indirect beneficiaries: Families, school staff, and the broader Mobile County and Alabama educational community, which is recognized for fostering exemplary student scholarship and community engagement.
- No fiscal provisions or policy changes are attached to this resolution; it is ceremonial in nature.
Procedural and timeline highlights
- Introduced: May 1, 2025 (HJR331 introduced by Representatives Stringer and Shirey; Rules committee)
- House action: Referred to House Rules; later reported out of the House Rules committee (May 6, 2025) and out of the House of Origin.
- Senate action: Received in the Senate and referred to the Senate Rules committee (May 6, 2025); action by the Senate Rules committee recorded as adopted by voice vote (May 6, 2025).
- Status: Reported out of committee in the Second House on May 8, 2025; currently progressing through the second house with the ongoing possibility of final adoption.
Notes
- As a ceremonial resolution, HJR 331 expresses statewide commendation rather than creating or modifying law or policy. It underscores the value of student-led research, historical inquiry, and community-supported education.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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