Kelly, Trent RSS Articles

Kelly Announces First Congressional District Art Competition Winners

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Trent Kelly is proud to announce Abigail Presley as the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Mississippi’s First Congressional District.

Presley, a junior at Corinth High School, earned this honor for her watercolor painting titled “Legacy.” Her art teacher is Jennifer LeGoff at Corinth High School. She is the daughter of Edward and Michelle Presley.

"Military service is a big part of our family's life," Presley said. "I appreciate this recognition for my family and my artwork."

"I could tell she was immensely talented from the first time I saw her work," LeGoff said. "She has come into her own and gained so much confidence."

The Congressional Art Competition is an annual event that highlights and encourages the creative talents of high school students across the country, with one winner selected from each congressional district. Presley’s artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year, and she will receive two airline tickets to attend the national awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., this summer.

2nd Place: Isabella Hancock, Hernando, MS – Acrylic painting titled “King of the Jungle”
3rd Place: Carley Foster, Booneville High School – Acrylic painting titled “Luke 16:10”
4th Place: Hannah Horton, New Albany High School – Acrylic painting titled “Dance With Me?”
5th Place: Aylin Hernandez, Corinth High School – Artwork titled “Sophia’s First”
5th Place: Isaac Snodgrass, Alcorn Central High School – Pencil drawing titled “Best Friend”

Congressman Kelly Announces Service Academy Appointment

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Trent Kelly is proud to announce the appointment of Elizabeth (Ellie) Grehan of Hernando, Mississippi, to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Each year, members of Congress may nominate candidates to the U.S. service academies. These institutions prepare young men and women to become leaders in the U.S. Armed Forces while receiving a top-tier education.

Ellie is a dedicated student-athlete who has excelled academically throughout her high school career. She is a student at Hernando High School, where she has maintained a 4.0+ GPA across all four years while earning outstanding standardized testing scores.

She is also an accomplished multi-sport athlete competing on the Hernando High School junior varsity basketball team, junior varsity cross country team, and varsity track and field, where she qualified for state regionals.

Ellie's leadership is reflected through her extracurricular involvement and community engagement. She serves as Director of Communications for the Hernando Mayor's Youth Council and works as an umpire and game clock operator for Hernando Park and Recreation.

Congressman Kelly Announces Service Academy Appointment

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Trent Kelly is proud to announce the appointment of Shaw Prewitt of Shannon, Mississippi, to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Each year, members of Congress may nominate candidate to the U.S. service academies. These institutions prepare young men and women to become leaders in the U.S. Armed Forces while receiving a top-tier education.

Shaw Prewitt has distinguished himself as an exceptional scholar, athlete, and servant leader. He attended South Pontotoc High School from 2022 to 2024 and currently attends the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, where he continues to excel in Advanced Placement and dual-credit coursework.

An accomplished athlete, Shaw is trained in mixed martial arts and competed in wrestling, powerlifting, and football at South Pontotoc High School. At the Mississippi School for Math and Science, he founded the school's wrestling team and serves as captain.

Shaw's leadership extends well beyond the classroom and athletic field. He has served as Honorary President of the Mississippi State Society Children of the American Revolution, County Representative of American Legion Boys State, and Historian of the Indigenous Student Alliance. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout with Boys Scout of America Troop 12 and has served as Mississippi Senate Page for Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hoseman, as well as a U.S. Senate Page in Washington, D.C., for Senator Roger Wicker.

Committed to serving his community, Shaw has volunteered through his Eagle Scout Project, "Beds for Kids," the MSMS Volunteer Service Program, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, "Tales from the Crypt," and St. James Catholic Church, where he is a member of the Lift Teen Youth Group, among many other service initiatives.

Congressman Kelly Announces Service Academy Appointment

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Trent Kelly is proud to announce the appointment of Cyrus Flaherty of Tupelo, Mississippi, to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Each year, members of Congress may nominate candidates to the U.S. service academies. These institutions prepare young men and women to become leaders in the U.S. Armed Forces while receiving a top-tier education.

Cyrus is an outstanding student leader at Tupelo High School, where he has demonstrated academic excellence and sustained achievement. He is a member of the National Honor Society, a Rotary Scholar, and has earned a placement on the Superintendent's List consecutively since 2014.

A committed leader, Cyrus has been actively involved in Tupelo High School JRTOC since 2021 and is completing his fourth year as a cadet. He currently serves as Cadet Major and Staff Officer, overseeing program operations and cadet training. In addition, he serves as a Teenage Republican Officer, is a Golden Wave Varsity Football manager, and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout with Scouting America Troop 85.

Cyrus's dedication to service extends beyond his school community. He volunteers with Hope Outdoors and has gained firsthand experience in public service as a U.S. Senate Page in Washington, D.C., for Senator Roger Wicker, and as a Page for Governor Tate Reeves.

Miss. Congressional Delegation Applauds Trump for Approving Major Disaster Declaration for Mississippi

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., Trent Kelly, R-Miss., Michael Guest, R-Miss., and Mike Ezell, R-Miss., today applauded President Trump for approving Mississippi’s request for a major disaster declaration following deadly Winter Storm Fern which struck the state from January 23-27, 2026. This approval unlocks federal resources to support recovery efforts across Mississippi. The declaration approves Public Assistance for 38 counties.

“We thank President Trump for approving Mississippi's major disaster declaration. These resources will help our communities rebuild after Winter Storm Fern. We are grateful for this immediate response from the administration,” the Mississippi congressional delegation said in a joint statement.

Following the storm, the delegation signed a letter to President Trump in support of Governor Tate Reeves’ request for a major disaster declaration.

“State and local resources, along with those of volunteer organizations, are insufficient to meet Mississippi’s recovery needs. Strong federal support and coordination will be essential to help communities recover and rebuild,” the lawmakers wrote in the letter.

Click here to read the full disaster declaration.

Background:
1. All categories of Public Assistance, including direct federal assistance were approved for Alcorn, Bolivar, Calhoun, Carroll, Grenada, Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Leflore, Montogomery, Sharkey, Sunflower, Warren, Washington, Webster, and Yazoo Counties as well as for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.
2. Public Assistance for emergency protective measures (Category B), including direct federal assistance for Adams, Attala, Benton, Claiborne, Coahoma, DeSoto, Hinds, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Marshall, Panola, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Quitman, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tippah, Tishomingo, Tunica, Union, and Yalobusha Counties was also approved.
3. Individual Assistance is under review

Kelly Announces First Congressional District Art Competition Winners

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Trent Kelly is proud to announce Abigail Presley as the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Mississippi’s First Congressional District.

Presley, a junior at Corinth High School, earned this honor for her watercolor painting titled “Legacy.” Abigail is the daughter of Edward and Michelle Presley. Her art teacher is Jennifer LeGoff at Corinth High School.

"Military service is a big part of our family's life," Abigail said. "I appreciate this recognition for my family and my artwork."

"I could tell she was immensely talented from the first time I saw her work," Corinth High School Art Teacher Jennifer LeGoff said. "She has come into her own and gained so much confidence."

The Congressional Art Competition is an annual event that highlights and encourages the creative talents of high school students across the country, with one winner selected from each congressional district. Presley’s artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year, and she will receive two airline tickets to attend the national awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., this summer.

2nd Place: Isabella Hancock, Hernando, MS – Acrylic painting titled “King of the Jungle”
3rd Place: Carley Foster, Booneville High School – Acrylic painting titled “Luke 16:10”
4th Place: Hannah Horton, New Albany High School – Acrylic painting titled “Dance With Me?”
5th Place: Aylin Hernandez, Corinth High School – Artwork titled “Sophia’s First”
5th Place: Isaac Snodgrass, Alcorn Central High School – Pencil drawing titled “Best Friend”

For more information about the Congressional Art Competition, contact melinda.whited@mail.house.gov.

Miss. Delegation Urges Trump to Approve Major Disaster Declaration for Mississippi

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., Trent Kelly, R-Miss., Michael Guest, R-Miss., and Mike Ezell, R-Miss., today applauded President Trump for approving Mississippi’s request for a major disaster declaration following deadly Winter Storm Fern which struck the state from January 23-27, 2026. This approval unlocks federal resources to support recovery efforts across Mississippi. The declaration approves Public Assistance for 38 counties.

“We thank President Trump for approving Mississippi's major disaster declaration. These resources will help our communities rebuild after Winter Storm Fern. We are grateful for this immediate response from the administration,” the Mississippi congressional delegation said in a joint statement.

Following the storm, the delegation signed a letter to President Trump in support of Governor Tate Reeves’ request for a major disaster declaration.

“State and local resources, along with those of volunteer organizations, are insufficient to meet Mississippi’s recovery needs. Strong federal support and coordination will be essential to help communities recover and rebuild,” the lawmakers wrote in the letter.

Background:
• All categories of Public Assistance, including direct federal assistance were approved for Alcorn, Bolivar, Calhoun, Carroll, Grenada, Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Leflore, Montgomery, Sharkey, Sunflower, Warren, Washington, Webster, and Yazoo Counties as well as for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.
• Public Assistance for emergency protective measures (Category B), including direct federal assistance for Adams, Attala, Benton, Claiborne, Coahoma, DeSoto, Hinds, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Marshall, Panola, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Quitman, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tippah, Tishomingo, Tunica, Union, and Yalobusha Counties was also approved.
• Individual Assistance is under review.

Federal Emergency Disaster Declaration Approved for Mississippi by President Trump

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON - President Trump has approved a federal emergency disaster declaration providing direct federal assistance to Mississippi and several other states across the country in response to severe winter weather.

These federal emergency declarations will allow states to access critical support through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide lifesaving and life-sustaining resources. The assistance will support state-led efforts to restore power, clear roadways for emergency responders, and ensure the safety of communities impacted by the storm.

President Trump approved emergency declarations for Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, Maryland, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Indiana, and West Virginia.

For more information, visit the Department of Homeland Security.

Mississippi Farmer Wesley Swedenburg

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

We are proud to recognize two hardworking Mississippi farmers, Steve Swedenburg and his son, Wesley.

Steve Swedenburg has spent his entire life on the farm. Raised on his parents' dairy farm, he began row cropping nearly 50 years ago and has devoted decades to working the land. His son, Wesley, grew up in Columbus and spent much of his childhood on the farm. In college, farming was not initially part of Wesley's career plans, but he continued to lend a hand anytime he could.

After graduating from Mississippi State University in 2017 with a degree in Agricultural Economics, Wesley decided to pursue farming full time. "I really love it," Wesley said. "Every day is something different." He began overseeing daily operations on his father's farm, and last year took a step forward by acquiring his own land and expanding their operation.

Today, the Swedenburgs farm about 2,500 acres across Lowndes and Noxubee Counties - with the county line running right through Wesley's front yard. Together, they grow corn, cotton, soybeans, and occasionally wheat.

Like many farmers across Mississippi and the country, the Swedenburgs have faced a challenging few years. "It was very dry last year," Wesley said. "This year, we dealt with a wet spring and dry conditions toward the end of growing season," In addition to unpredictable weather, low commodity prices over the past two to three years and rising input costs have strained operations. Workforce shortages also remain a concern. While the Swedenburgs are fortunate to have four full-time employees who have been with them for more than 30 years, they typically rely on two or three seasonal workers. "It's just hard to find young people who want to get into farming," Wesley said.

Despite these challenges, Wesley remains hopeful about the future and the direction of agricultural policy. "I think President Trump's policies are pointing us in the right direction and will help in the long term," he said.

Last March, the Swedenburgs applied for the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP), a key initiative I led in the Farm Assistance and Revenue Mitigation (FARM) Act. This program provided direct assistance to help farmers offset rising input costs and declining commodity prices for the 2024 crop year. Wesley received 85 percent of his payment in March, with the remaining 15 percent paid out in October.

Mississippi farmers like Steve and Wesley are the backbone of our state and our nation. I will continue fighting for policies that ensure our farmers have the tools and resources they need to succeed.

Congressman Trent Kelly Announces Academy Day 2026

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

I am proud to announce the date for Academy Day 2026. This year's event will be held on April 18, 2026, at the Northwest Mississippi Community College Ranger Center from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

It is a privilege to nominate exceptional young men and women to our nation's prestigious Service Academies. These young Mississippians have dedicated countless hours to hard work, volunteer service, leadership development, outstanding academics and more.

Academy Day offers parents, students, and educators in Mississippi's First Congressional District an opportunity to learn more about these institutions and meet face-to-face with academy representatives. This event is open to all who are interested.

Representatives in attendance will include:

U.S. Coast Guard Academy
U.S. Air Force Academy
U.S. Naval Academy
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
U.S. Military Academy at West Point
Marion Military Institute
University of Mississippi ROTC
Mississippi State University ROTC

To learn more about the Service Academy nomination process through my office, please contact our Military Liaison, Melinda Whited, at (662) 687-1525 or melinda.whited@mail.house.gov.