Senate Resolution 22

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING SOUTH PERRY ELEMENTARY KINDERGARTEN TEACHER MARIA JAMES FROM BEAUMONT, MISSISSIPPI, UPON HER RECEIPT OF THE "MISSISSIPPI RURAL TEACHER OF THE YEAR" AWARD PRESENTED ANNUALLY BY THE PROGRAM OF RESEARCH AND EVALUATION FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS (PREPS).

WHEREAS, South Perry Elementary Kindergarten Teacher Maria James recently received the "Mississippi Rural Teacher of the Year" Award for her hard work and dedication to her students. The award is sponsored through PREPS, The Program of Research and Evaluation for Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, the award is organized by congressional districts. In Congressional District 4, each school district has to pick a teacher, and they compete against each other; and

WHEREAS, the pandemic continues to put a strain on many teachers throughout the state. Maria explained some of the challenges she had to face. "For me, it was the social distancing," James said. "Not being able to hug my kindergarten babies. We had to think outside of the box for sure, altering days, virtual teaching and helping parents teach their kids at home." James offered encouragement to all teachers who continue to face the pandemic; and

WHEREAS, Maria was also awarded "Teacher of the Year" for South Perry Elementary School and the Perry County School District; and

WHEREAS, Maria's guiding principle is the Serenity Prayer, which is "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference"; and

WHEREAS, Mississippi teachers are the primary influence on future citizens, and it is with great pride that we recognize one of Mississippi's excellent frontline teachers who has brought honor to her school, her community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate South Perry Elementary Kindergarten Teacher Maria James from Beaumont, Mississippi, upon her receipt of the "Mississippi Rural Teacher of the Year" Award presented annually by the Program of Research and Evaluation for Public Schools (PREPS) and extend our best wishes to Maria and her fellow South Perry teachers for future success.

be it further resolved, that this resolution be presented to Maria James, forwarded to South Perry Elementary School Principal Shawn Butler and the Perry County Board of Education, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.