Senate Resolution 16

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING MRS. JANE GREGORY UPON BEING AWARDED THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE'S (NFL'S) TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD.

WHEREAS, Mrs. Jane Gregory, a dedicated educator for more than 43 years, has made many outstanding contributions to the field of education in the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Gregory, a South Pontotoc High School math teacher, recently received the nomination for "NFL Teacher of the Year" by former student Wesley Walls, a 13-year National Football League tight end, who currently plays for the Carolina Panthers; and

WHEREAS, a 12-time "Star Teacher" and icon in the Mississippi Teacher's Hall of Fame, Mrs. Gregory has continuously strived throughout her teaching career to encourage success and instill confidence not only within her students in the classroom, but also within her four children: Vickie, Paul, Rhonda and Kathy; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Gregory is valued greatly by both colleagues and students alike, and she has been described by Pontotoc County's Superintendent of Education characterizing her as being a teacher with "great qualities, very competitive and a person who cares about her students"; and

WHEREAS, twice retired, Mrs. Gregory, who began teaching at South Pontotoc in 1986 after teaching in Memphis and Starkville, still finds time to tutor students in math, and she possesses such a keen devotion for the subject that she and her sister, also a math teacher, have been known to stay awake all night working out difficult math problems; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Gregory was always in the classroom and maintained a full schedule, in addition to rearing four children, yet she never let her family or students go unattended; and

WHEREAS, on Tuesday, December 18, 2001, before a tearful family, friends, church members and an applauding student body, Mrs. Gregory was showered with praise in a surprise awards ceremony at South Pontotoc, naming her "NFL Teacher of the Year"; and

WHEREAS, at the Carolina Panthers-Arizona Cardinals game on Sunday, December 30, 2001, before a fan packed stadium and national audience, Mrs. Gregory was presented with the official "NFL Teacher of the Year" award by four-time Pro Bowl candidate and nominating individual Wesley Walls; and

WHEREAS, as a result of receiving this honor, Mrs. Gregory also received an all expenses paid trip to Hawaii for the Pro Bowl, plus $5,000.00 in cash and a Wesley Wall jersey, and $10,000.00 will be given to South Pontotoc High School in her name, in addition to $1,000.00 given to the school for her being a finalist; and

WHEREAS, by being named "NFL Teacher of the Year," Mrs. Gregory has brought pride and national recognition to her family, fellow teachers throughout the state, county and to the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Senate of the State of Mississippi to recognize and pay special tribute to remarkable educators such as Mrs. Jane Gregory, who continues to provide outstanding educational inspirations to the youth of our state in the public schools of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mrs. Jane Gregory for her exceptional contributions to the field of education in the State of Mississippi and extend to her our heartiest wishes for success in all her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mrs. Jane Gregory, South Pontotoc High School and members of the Capitol Press Corps.