House Resolution 15

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING MRS. ANGELA MCKINNON FOR HER OUTSTANDING DEDICATION TO HER STUDENTS AND FOR BEING AWARDED THE 2018 PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE TEACHING.

WHEREAS, Mrs. Angela McKinnon, a fifth grade teacher at Lewisburg Elementary School in DeSoto County, who has a passion for teaching and a love for children, was awarded the 2018 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching in recognition of her hard work and unwavering dedication to providing an excellent education to her students; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. McKinnon is among the more than 140 teachers nationwide that was honored with this prestigious presidential award for excellence in teaching or mentoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education; and

WHEREAS, administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching are the highest honors bestowed by the United States specifically for K-12 mathematics and science teaching; and

WHEREAS, awards are given to mathematics and science teachers from each of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense Education Activity Schools or the United States territories as a group; and

WHEREAS, the award recognizes those teachers who develop and implement a high-quality instructional program that is informed by content knowledge and enhances student learning, and since the program's inception, more than 4,700 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession; and

WHEREAS, awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities and leaders in the improvement of STEM education, and they receive a certificate signed by the President of the United States, a paid trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation and an opportunity to build lasting partnerships with colleagues across the nation; and

WHEREAS, devoted to academic excellence, Mrs. McKinnon earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Mississippi College and is certified in elementary education, mild and moderate disabilities, remedial reading K-12 and general science 7-12, and she recently completed her master's degree in special education from Arkansas State University; and

WHEREAS, as an elementary educator for 26 years, Mrs. McKinnon has spent over 23 years teaching fifth grade mathematics and science in the DeSoto County School District, with the last 12 years being at Lewisburg Elementary, and her students have consistently scored 100 percent proficient and advanced on the state science test, a true testament to her exceptional dedication to her students; and

WHEREAS, as a mentor to new teachers, Mrs. McKinnon served on the Mississippi Editorial Advisory Board for Macmillan/McGraw-Hill publishers and the content, bias and data review committees for the Mississippi Department of Education to assist in the development of the state test, and she also served as the fifth grade lead science teacher, assisted with the school science fair and judged for other schools in her district; and

WHEREAS, as Lewisburg's "Science Guru," Mrs. McKinnon has a tremendous passion for helping her students grow and become productive citizens, and she remains dedicated to her daily mission of teaching her fifth grade class by helping them comprehend the world around them with riveting lessons and engaging discussions; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. McKinnon strives daily to provide a quality education and an inclusive environment where her students can grow and nurture their individual talents and creative abilities, and she continuously radiates excellence, invigorates with her wisdom and inspires all of her students to be the best they can be; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize outstanding teachers such as Mrs. Angela McKinnon, who selflessly strive to improve the well-being of children in Mississippi and provide them with the skills necessary for them to fulfill their greatest potential:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mrs. Angela McKinnon on her outstanding dedication to her students and for being awarded the 2018 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, and express best wishes for her continued success in all of her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mrs. Angela McKinnon and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.