MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2016 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Wiggins, Barnett, Dearing, Jackson (32nd), Jolly, McDaniel, McMahan, Simmons (12th), Watson
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING GAUTIER HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER JODI MCKENZIE UPON HER SELECTION AS "2016 MISSISSIPPI TEACHER OF THE YEAR."
WHEREAS, Gautier High School teacher Jodi McKenzie was honored to have been selected as the "2016 Mississippi Teacher of the Year," presented each spring by the State Department of Education; and
WHEREAS, Jodi McKenzie teaches 10th and 11th Grade English at Gautier High School and serves as the English Department Chairperson. She is also sponsor of the Student Council and serves on the Building Leadership Team. She began her career 12 years ago at Esctawpa Elementary School in the Moss Point school district before coming to Gautier High School six years ago. McKenzie also serves on the summer curriculum writing team, encourages community involvement among the students and leads the Student Council in volunteering during the annual Jana Walmsley Swamp Run at the Jackson County Exceptional School and the Spirit of Gautier High School fall festival; and
WHEREAS, Jodi McKenzie is a Gautier native who graduated from Resurrection Catholic High School in Pascagoula. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the Long Beach campus of the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master's degree from William Carey University. She currently resides in Ocean Springs with her husband, Chuck McKenzie, and their two children, Averie Kate and Parker; and
WHEREAS, McKenzie, Mississippi Teacher of the Year, will join state winners from across the country for a reception with the President and First Lady in the Rose Garden of the White House. She will also compete with other state winners for the National Teacher of the Year award. Mrs. McKenzie shares this honor with her fellow teachers, parents and students. "My community gives unparalleled support and my selection for this honor is certainly a collective accomplishment. My amazing family and friends have provided an invaluable support system, and they have immeasurably impacted my life and career"; and
WHEREAS, "This is a tremendous tribute to a true teaching professional, one who brings a passion and dedication to teaching our children. It's a tremendous accomplishment," said Pascagoula-Gautier Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. McKenzie's dedication to her students as a classroom teacher and her willingness to take that extra step to improve any fact of the educational experience make her an outstanding representative for this school district and our state as a leading educator:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Gautier High School Teacher Jodi McKenzie upon her selection as "2016 Mississippi Teacher of the Year," and extend our best wishes to Jodi and her family on this auspicious occasion.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Jodi McKenzie, forwarded to the Principal of Gautier High School and the Pascagoula School Board, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.