Terrell Sessums Elementary School opened in August of 2003 and was dedicated on April 18, 2004. Sessums Elementary School is named after T. Terrell Sessums.

Mr. Sessums has been a champion of public education for many years and he is a splendid role model for our young students. Mr. Sessums is a children's advocate and a leader in the county, state and national PTA. Currently of Counsel to the Salem Law Group, P.A., T.Terrell Sessums holds B.A. and law degrees from the University of Florida. Mr. Sessums is a former member of the Florida House of Representatives (1963-74), House Speaker (1972-74), a former Chairman of the Florida Board of Regents, and a former Chairman of both the Florida and Greater Tampa Chambers of Commerce. Mr. Sessums currently serves on the Board of Governors of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and as a Trustee of the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation.

Many years of service in the Florida legislature, the Florida Bar, and the community have earned Mr. Sessums honorary degrees from Rollins College, Flagler College, the University of South Florida, and Florida Southern College, where he has served as chairman of the Board of Trustees since 1993.

Mr. Sessums has also received many awards and commendations for his contributions in the field of public service and education, including the Distinguished Service Award presented by the Florida Association of Colleges and Universities. In 1998 the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church awarded Mr. Sessums it Francis Asbury Award for service to Higher Education. It is a privilege for us to have such a distinguished and deserving namesake, Terrell Sessums.