MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2004 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Ellis, Burnett, Calhoun, Chism, Dickson, Espy, Harrison, Robinson (63rd), Watson
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MR. ANDREW LARK UPON HIS SELECTION AS 2003-2004 TEACHER OF THE YEAR FOR THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.
WHEREAS, Mr. Andrew Lark, an alumnus of Mississippi Valley State University with a bachelor of arts degree in fine arts, and current teacher in the Starkville School District, was recently named Mississippi's Teacher of the Year for 2003-2004; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lark is an instructor of fine arts at Starkville High School, where he provides informative insight, instruction and academic support to students in their efforts of understanding and appreciating art in both its most pure and most complex forms; and
WHEREAS, an 11-year teaching veteran, Mr. Lark began his career in Itta Bena, Mississippi, as Art Coordinator and Assistant Director of the Artist in Program course, geared toward at-risk children in grades 4-12; and
WHEREAS, after a two-year period, Mr. Lark transferred to the Leflore County Juvenile Report Center located in Greenwood, Mississippi, where he again remained two years, directing his focus and sharing his passion for art with juveniles and at-risk children in grades 5-12; and
WHEREAS, at the close of his services in Greenwood, Mr. Lark embarked upon his journey into an actual school classroom setting in 1997 at Starkville High School; and
WHEREAS, since his arrival at Starkville High School he has honed his skill, intuitiveness and creativity, and has gained the respect of his colleagues and students alike as an instructor and chairman of the school's art department; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lark has expanded the art curriculum, adding a wide range of art related courses, including: Art I, Art II, Art III, Photo I, Photo II, sculpture, product and industrial design, portfolio, fashion design, jewelry design, metal smithing and after school studio art classes; and
WHEREAS, modeling his love of art by his enthusiastic teaching, this energetic educator continues to thrive artistically and professionally, while generating an elevated level of interests of his students, making his classroom an active learning environment, where students learn through a diversified hands-on approach; and
WHEREAS, in addition to learning art concepts, Mr. Lark's students learn such fundamental life skills as teamwork, responsibility, on-the-job behavior and, most importantly, self-esteem; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lark has made significant contributions to the professional development of education, including having served on the Teacher of the Year Advisory Committee, the State of Mississippi Superintendent Advisory Committee and the School Improvement Steering Committee, in addition to serving as a Mentor of Practicum teachers from Mississippi University for Women and Mississippi State University; and
WHEREAS, with numerous professional affiliations such as the Starkville Area Council, the Mississippi Art Alliance, the National and the Mississippi Art Education Association and both the National and the Mississippi Education Associations, Mr. Lark has garnered much support, and has prided Starkville High School and the State of Mississippi throughout his career by winning more than 250 State Scholastic Awards, 16 National Scholastic Art Winners, 5 National Scholastic Gold Teaching Certificates, 3 Third Congressional District Art Awards and a Kennedy Center Creative Ticket Award; and
WHEREAS, the 1999-2000 recipient of the Governor Award in Art Education, this two-time Starkville High School Teacher of the Year, in addition to being named Mississippi Teacher of the Year for 2003-2004, was also tapped as the 2003-2004 Third Congressional District Teacher of the Year; and
WHEREAS, listed among Who's Who Among American Teachers, Mr. Lark, over and beyond the numerous accolades he has received, specifies his most prized possession and accomplishment is to have the respect and appreciation of his present and former students; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this dedicated educator who has brought honor to his school, his community and to the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Andrew Lark for being named the 2003-2004 Mississippi Teacher of the Year and extend to him our heartiest wishes for success in all his future professional and artistic endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Andrew Lark, the Superintendent of Starkville School District and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.