MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Browning

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING NORTH PONTOTOC ATTENDANCE CENTER ART TEACHER GAIL MORTON FOR BEING NAMED SECONDARY ART TEACHER OF THE YEAR BY THE MISSISSIPPI ART EDUCATION ASSOCIATION.

WHEREAS, Pontotoc, Mississippi, has outstanding teachers, as evidenced at the state level, where Gail Morton, Art Teacher at North Pontotoc Attendance Center, has been named Secondary Art Teacher of the Year by the Mississippi Art Education Association; and

WHEREAS, North Pontotoc School Principal Russell Taylor said Gail Morton certainly exemplifies the best of what great teachers represent by showing her students the basics of art, and also teaching them to respect art and art history; and

WHEREAS, Gail graduated from North Pontotoc High School in 1980, then received her Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts with an emphasis in Graphic Design from the University of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, after working in the private sector in the field of graphic design for several years, she returned to teach in the Pontotoc County School system nine years ago; and

WHEREAS, she sees Art as one of the most basic forms of communication for mankind, and like religion and music, it is a way of self-expression and self-reflection, which she passes on to her students; and

WHEREAS, Gail's honor is a true testament to her devotion to the young people of Mississippi, her dedication to the teaching profession and to her students and their parents, and it is with great pride that we recognize the achievements of this Mississippian who has brought recognition to her school, her community and to the State of Mississippi:

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 North Pontotoc Attendance Center Art Teacher Gail Morton for being named Secondary Art Teacher of the Year by the Mississippi Art Education Association, and wish her continued success in her professional endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Gail Morton and furnished to Pontotoc County Superintendent of Education, Jerry Horton, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.