Senate Concurrent Resolution 553

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING DR. JANET HENDERSON UPON THE OCCASION OF BEING NAMED THE SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS 2001 DISTINGUISHED EDUCATOR.

WHEREAS, Dr. Henderson has been honored by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools as the "2001 Distinguished Educator"; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Janet Henderson currently serves as Assistant Superintendent of Education for Curriculum and Instruction in the Starkville School District; and

WHEREAS, the former teacher and Overstreet Elementary Principal, Dr. Henderson now serves as the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instructions for the school district, as chairperson of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Mississippi Elementary Committee and on the SACS Executive Council and Standards Committee; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Henderson has over 32 years of involvement with this accreditation organization which has continued to raise the bar in educational standards throughout the Southeastern United States. The current school improvement process required for SACS accreditation represents the best of current research in education; and

WHEREAS, during her tenure as Principal at Overstreet School, the school was named Best of State in "Redbook" magazine's America's Best Project; and

WHEREAS, she has been recognized by the Starkville Chamber of Commerce in the Education Hall of Fame, named a Mississippi Administrator of the Year finalist and has served as President of the Mississippi Association of School Administrators and the Mississippi State University Phi Delta Kappa Chapter, where she earned her bachelor of science, master's and doctorate degree; and

WHEREAS, serving as a facilitator for school improvement in several school districts, Dr. Henderson has also participated in several self-studies, implemented a district's kindergarten program, has aided in the merger of two elementary schools and implemented the school renewal process; and

WHEREAS, she has brought honor to her school district, her community and to the State of Mississippi, and it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize excellence and achievement of the citizens of this state, especially when exhibited by those who work with our young people, who are our future:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Dr. Janet Henderson as the recipient of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools 2001 Distinguished Educator Award, and wish her continued success in her future professional and academic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Dr. Henderson and her family, be forwarded to Dr. Larry Box, Superintendent of the Starkville School District, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.