A measure to recognize Sister Sandra Smithson with a March observance received unanimous support from the House Naming and Designating Committee on Feb. 10 and will move to the education committee with a positive recommendation.

Representative Bulso described Sister Sandra as an educator and founder of Project Reflect, a program serving underprivileged children in urban communities, and noted she helped found Smithson Craighead Academy, described in committee remarks as the state’s first charter school (sponsor placed the founding in 2002). Representative Dixie, who said Smithson was from his parish and that his family has long ties to her work, suggested bolstering the bill text to reflect additional accomplishments; Representative Bulso agreed to consider amendments as the bill moves forward.

Committee clerks recorded nine ayes, zero nays. The committee did not adopt immediate amendments on the floor; the sponsor offered to work with colleagues to add language about Sister Sandra’s accomplishments as the bill advances.