‘O’ Foundation honors Hyde-Smith

Published 7:00 pm Friday, December 9, 2011

Dedicated. Authentic. Hard-working.Ambitious. A role model. A public servant.

    These are just a few examples used to describe state AgricultureCommissioner-elect and “O” Foundation VIP Cindy Hyde-Smith at thesixth annual Ole Brook VIP Awards Banquet at the Lincoln CivicCenter Thursday night.

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    The words of praise came from several speakers, including friendsand family of Hyde-Smith, previous VIP winners and outgoingAgriculture Commissioner Lester Spell.

    Things kicked off with a red-carpet presentation of previous VIPsfollowed by Hyde-Smith and her husband, Mike.

    Ward Four Alderman Shirley Estes opened up the speeches as dinnerfrom Polly’s was being finished by those gathered to honorHyde-Smith.

    “This is an important opportunity to speak of Cindy,” Estes said.”She is dedicated to her family, friends and community. That’sevident in the way she lives her life.”

    Estes also spoke of Hyde-Smith’s accomplishments as state senatorand chairman and co-chairman of several Senate committees.

    “The Lord has given you gifts and calls you to use those gifts forthose around you,” Estes continued. “I am proud of and proud foryou.”

    Tressa Guynes, secretary of the Senate, followed with specialinsight to Hyde-Smith’s work ethic at the state Capitol. Guynesrecalled the hustle and bustle of the Senate floor one time whenHyde-Smith rose to speak.

    “Everyone stopped what they were doing and listened,” she said.”(Hyde-Smith) has a captivating way of delivering a message. Youcan tell she knows exactly what’s she’s talking about. She’s aleader, and a leader who people want to follow. She’s able to takea vision and see it through.”

    Guynes nodded to Hyde-Smith’s election as the first femaleagriculture commissioner with more than 57 percent of the state’svotes.

    “Brookhaven, this is your Cindy Hyde-Smith,” she concluded. “I’mproud to know her.”

    Marilyn Barker, an educator from the Wesson School District and oneof Hyde-Smith’s closest and longest friends, spoke of Hyde-Smith’sloyalty as a friend.

    “I’ve never had a friend who I was more immediately drawn to asmuch as Cindy,” Barker said. “It’s hard to put into words … howloyal a friend she is.”

    Barker said there is nothing Hyde-Smith is more proud of than beinga mother and wife, as exciting as her political life can be. Shealso nodded to Hyde-Smith’s ability to captivate an audience as sherecalled campaigning with the VIP over the summer.

    “It was in Neshoba, and it was hot,” she said. “And Cindy took tothat podium like a linebacker goes after a quarterback. She said(to the crowd), ‘Next time you eat a great meal, thank God firstand then you thank the farmer.’ The crowd went wild. I believe thatday was the day we won the election.”

    Hyde-Smith’s husband, Mike, spoke as a surprise speaker to honorhis wife and his marriage to her.

    “Once I married Cindy, I was not Mike Smith anymore, I was CindyHyde-Smith’s husband,” he joked. “I’m blessed to have thiswonderful marriage.”

    Smith spoke of the two sides of politics, the one seen in the mediaand the other that is “behind the doors and in the trenches.”

    “That’s where Cindy is,” he said.

    Outgoing Commissioner Spell spoke of the job Hyde-Smith will face,and how he could not think of a better replacement for himself.

    “It’s the best job because it’s involved in every county in thestate,” he said. “After she announced she was running, me andeveryone in my office were never bashful about who we were going tosupport. We told everybody that the most qualified person isCindy.”

    Spell described her as a diligent, respected, friendly and caringperson.

    Last year’s VIP, Patricia Williams McGill-Tillman spoke next topass the silver cup award on to Hyde-Smith.

    “Last year, I reluctantly accepted the award because I didn’t feelI had done anything special to get it,” she said. “Tonight is thefirst time I have felt like a VIP because I have the distinction ofpresenting this trophy to Cindy Hyde-Smith.”

    Finally, Hyde-Smith took the podium to address the many complimentsshe received and the people who came to show their appreciation forher.

    “I thought they must be scraping the bottle of the barrel when theytold me I was selected for this,” she said. “I’m so blessed to behere tonight.”

    She spoke of her pleasure and honor in serving District 39 as statesenator.

    “When you’re carrying the torch in the state Senate, it’s importantto have people like in this room behind you supporting you,” shesaid. “My prayer has always been to serve through humility. I’m sopleased y’all have come to honor me. You just don’t know. You’re myfamily and you’re my friends. Times can be tough, but we can bondtogether and divide the troubles to get through.”