Senate Resolution 8

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING DR. CHRISTINA DANIELS OF THE PICAYUNE SCHOOL SYSTEM, MISSISSIPPI'S 2004 TEACHER OF THE YEAR.

WHEREAS, Dr. Christina Daniels, a teacher at the Picayune Separate School District Center for Alternative Education, was selected by the State Department of Education as the "2004 Mississippi Teacher of the Year" and honored at ceremonies held in Dr. Daniels' classroom on May 24, 2004; and

WHEREAS, her selection as the "2004 Mississippi Teacher of the Year" is a testament to her dedication and service to her students, her school and her community. Dr. Daniels' accomplishments are many, but perhaps her greatest accomplishment is the difference she makes in the lives of her students each day; and

WHEREAS, her nine students at Picayune's Center for Alternative Education are often called at risk, hyperactive, attention deficit and occasionally violent. They are in her classroom for expulsion, outbursts in classes and other problems. But under her guidance, the third through sixth graders are coming to class every day, listening and learning; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Daniels received a $5,000 salary supplement from the Education Department and $1,500 from Entergy. Her school also received $500 from Entergy. She will compete in the National Teacher of the Year Competition and is invited to the National Teacher of the Year Conference in Dallas, Texas; and

WHEREAS, teachers are nominated by their school districts and a committee reduces the number to four finalists; and

WHEREAS, this is Dr. Daniels first year as a Special Education Teacher in Picayune. She drives 75 miles daily from Petal, Mississippi, her hometown. Daniels began teaching in Hattiesburg, Forrest County, Mississippi. She also has worked in state prisons and for human service programs. She uses a variety of art forms to grab her students' attention, such as dancing and painting. Daniels coordinates the school's accelerated reader program and persuaded local businesses to donate prizes for students. She also was nominated for the Disney Excellence in Teaching Award; and

WHEREAS, as her students look back on their school years, Dr. Daniels just wants them to remember one thing about her class - "That I respected them"; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the commitment, enthusiasm and selfless devotion of this dedicated teacher, 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 Dr. Christina Daniels of the Picayune Municipal Separate School District Center for Alternative Education, upon being selected as Mississippi's 2004 Teacher of the Year, and extend to her and her students the best wishes of the Mississippi Senate for their future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Dr. Daniels, be forwarded to the Superintendent of the Picayune Municipal Separate School District, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.