Senate Resolution 49

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING PAULA WHITLOCK FOR BEING VOTED "TEACHER OF THE YEAR" AT THE PONTOTOC CAREER AND TECHNICAL CENTER.

WHEREAS, Paula Whitlock of Pontotoc, Mississippi, has been voted "Teacher of the Year" at the Pontotoc Career and Technical Center where she teaches Business and Computer Technology; and

WHEREAS, her name and accomplishments will now be entered as a candidate for "Teacher of the Year" in Pontotoc County and possibly for "Mississippi Teacher of the Year" honors; and

WHEREAS, Whitlock had not planned a career in teaching, but was inspired when she became a facilitator in the electronic classroom at South Pontotoc High School, where her love for technology and computers was rekindled, leading to a second Bachelors Degree in Technology Teacher Education at Mississippi State University; and

WHEREAS, Paula's father had been a teacher and principal, and now serves as Superintendent of Schools in Scott County, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, after earning her second degree in May 1998, she taught the business and computer technology curriculum at the career center for five months, then taught accounting and computer applications at North Pontotoc High School before returning to the career center; and

WHEREAS, her goal is to have her students prepared to walk into a job and be able to immediately go to work, and her technology course has become very popular with students who may or may not be college-bound; she believes that students only need a teacher to have confidence in them and be willing to help; and

WHEREAS, when she is not in the classroom, she is busy with her 2-year-old daughter and her husband, she is a First Grade Sunday School Teacher and Finance Committee Co-chairman at West Heights Baptist Church, serves as Secretary of the Town and Country Garden Club, teaches Girls in Action, and is Recording Secretary of the Pontotoc Woman's Club; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the accomplishments of this dedicated teacher who gives so generously of her time, and brings 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 Paula Whitlock for being voted "Teacher of the Year" at the Pontotoc Career and Technical Center and extend to her the best wishes of the Senate as she is nominated for Pontotoc Teacher of the Year honors, and in her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Paula Whitlock and the Director of the Pontotoc Career and Technical Center and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.