Senate Concurrent Resolution 574

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND CONGRATULATING MADISON STATION ELEMENTARY SCHOOLTEACHER ALLISON RUHL UPON RECEIVING THE PRESTIGIOUS 2016-2017 MILKEN EDUCATOR AWARD.

WHEREAS, on January 11, 2017, Madison Station Elementary School First-Grade Teacher Allison Ruhl was presented with the prestigious Milken Educator Award, and she did well to walk across the gymnasium amid thunderous response from students, faculty and dignitaries. The award was presented with a hug from First Lady Deborah Bryant after an introduction from Governor Phil Bryant. Allison is in her fifth year at Madison Station; and

WHEREAS, the prestigious Milken Educator Award recognizes the exceptional work of an educator as a model for the state and nation in a surprise ceremony at the recipient's school. Along with a huge rally of support from his or her school, the recipient receives a $25,000.00 no-strings-attached check from the Milken Family Foundation. In addition to being one of only 35 teachers nationwide who will win the award in 2017, Ruhl is the only Mississippian who will win this year and the first Madison County School District Educator to do so; and

WHEREAS, founded by Mr. Lowell Milken to celebrate, promote and stimulate commendable K-12 educators, and to publicly demonstrate that excellence in education must be acknowledged and rewarded, the Milken Educator Awards program strives to communicate to parents and policymakers the established truth that the quality of the educator is the most important factor in determining student achievement; and

WHEREAS, candidates, typically early or mid-career teachers, are not formally nominated and don't apply for the award. Instead, they are recommended by Department of Education Blue Ribbon Committees in participating states. The awards are intended to encourage good teachers to stay in the profession and to encourage others to teach; and

WHEREAS, "I am extremely proud of Ms. Ruhl for winning the Milken Educator Award this year and representing the State of Mississippi so well. She is an extraordinary teacher and is very deserving of this honor. Her level of dedication for her students and parents is of the highest level," said Mississippi First Lady Deborah Bryant. Carey Wright, Mississippi State Superintendent of Education, said Ruhl is a wonderful example of our dedicated educators who work tirelessly to help students succeed. Madison County School District Superintendent Ronnie McGehee said he was thrilled that The Milken Foundation was honoring one of his veteran teachers; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we commend this dedicated educator who is a wonderful example for her profession and for all citizens of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize and congratulate Madison Station Elementary Schoolteacher Allison Ruhl upon her receipt of the prestigious 2016-2017 Milken Educator Award, and extend our best wishes to Allison and her family on this high honor.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Allison Ruhl, forwarded to the Madison County Board of Education and the State Superintendent of Education, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.