[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 64 (Thursday, May 1, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S5646]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING LORRAINE JOHNSON, 2003 GEORGIA TEACHER OF THE YEAR

 Mr. MILLER. Mr. President, I would like to pay tribute to 
Lorraine Johnson, Georgia's 2003 Teacher of the Year and a finalist for 
National Teacher of the Year.
  This Coweta County seventh grade teacher was selected as one of four 
finalists for the National Teacher of the Year award by a panel made up 
of members from 15 national education organizations. She attended a 
ceremony yesterday at the White House where the President recognized 
this great achievement, and I was honored to be part of the audience.
  Ms. Johnson has been an outstanding educator for over 18 years and 
has taught seventh-grade English and language arts at Arnall Middle 
School in Newnan, GA, for the past 8 years. This past year, Ms. Johnson 
has been on a sabbatical to travel across the State of Georgia giving 
speeches and conducting workshops for her peers at other Georgia 
schools.
  Ms. Johnson told a reporter recently that she hopes she can inspire 
other teachers to have pride in their profession, and I think she is 
achieving that goal. Though her commitment and dedication to teaching 
she has influenced hundreds of students and made Georgia and our entire 
country a better place.
 Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, I rise today to pay a special 
tribute to Lorraine Johnson of Newnan, GA. Lorraine Johnson is an 
outstanding Georgia educator.
  Lorraine Johnson was recently honored and recognized as one of four 
finalists by President George W. Bush at the White House for the 
National Teacher of the Year award.
  Top notch teachers, like Lorraine Johnson, work day and night to make 
a difference to our Nation's young people as they prepare for their 
future. These are our true American heroes in our communities, in our 
States and in our Nation. As the husband of a retired teacher who spent 
35 years in the classroom, I know first hand the deep commitment, tough 
challenges, and endless efforts that go along with being a dedicated 
teacher. There is no doubt about it: Lorraine Johnson is a dedicated 
educator.
  Lorraine Johnson teaches seventh grade language arts at Arnall Middle 
School in Newnan, GA. In my home State of Georgia, Lorraine's 
excellence is no secret. She was named Georgia's Teacher of the Year 
for 2003 for her remarkable efforts.
  It was a real honor and a privilege to share in a special White House 
ceremony praising Lorraine's hard work and dedication. President George 
W. Bush, U.S. Secretary of Education Rodney Paige and many other 
lawmakers also commended Lorraine Johnson for her accomplishments.
  Lorraine Johnson of Newnan, GA, is truly an outstanding educator. Not 
only is she an inspiration to Georgians, but she is an inspiration to 
all Americans.

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