House Concurrent Resolution 79

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MRS. KAY FRANZ UPON HER SELECTION AS 2004-2005 TEACHER OF THE YEAR FOR THE JACKSON PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM.

WHEREAS, Mrs. Kay Franz, a Power Academic and Performing Arts Center art teacher, 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, was recently named Jackson Public Schools' Teacher of the Year for 2004-2005; and

WHEREAS, a 16-year teaching veteran, Mrs. Franz, who teaches APAC students Grades 4 through 12, pottery, painting, sculpting and paper-mache, was selected from among 24 teachers in the district and will now compete for the coveted state title for Teacher of the Year; and

WHEREAS, over the years she has honed her skill, intuitiveness and creativity, and is admired not only by her peers but by students and parents alike; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Franz goes the extra mile, not limiting herself to educating her students on the importance and benefits of art, but also on the importance of community and community involvement; and

WHEREAS, modeling her love of art by her enthusiastic teaching, this energetic educator continues to thrive artistically and professionally, while generating an elevated level of interests of her students, making her classroom an active learning environment, where students learn through a diversified hands-on approach; and

WHEREAS, in addition to learning art concepts, Mrs. Franz's students learn such fundamental life skills as teamwork, responsibility and, most importantly, self-esteem; and

WHEREAS, over and beyond the numerous accolades she has received, Mrs. Franz specifies that her most prized possession and accomplishment is to have the respect and appreciation of her present and former students; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this dedicated educator who has brought honor to her school, her community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mrs. Kay Franz for being named the 2004-2005 Jackson Public Schools' Teacher of the Year and extend to her our heartiest wishes for success in all her future professional and artistic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mrs. Kay Franz, the Superintendent of the Jackson Public School District and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.