[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 45 (Friday, April 15, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E669]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING MS. LINDA JONES ON RECEIPT OF THE 2004 PRESIDENTIAL 
        AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE TEACHING

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                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 14, 2005

  Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I 
rise to honor Ms. Linda Jones on the occasion of her being honored with 
the 2004 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science 
Teaching.
  This award, established in 1983, recognizes outstanding science and 
mathematics teachers in grades K-12 in all fifty states and each of the 
four U.S. jurisdictions. This White House award is currently recognized 
as the nation's highest commendation for elementary and secondary math 
and science teachers. During this year's nomination process, 600 
applications were submitted for this honor. Out of that tremendous 
number of nominations, Linda Jones was one of only 95 winners 
nationwide and one of only two from the state of Alabama.
  Linda has been a distinguished member of the Baldwin County, Alabama, 
school system for over 30 years. A native of Louisiana, she graduated 
with a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, 
and went on to earn a master's degree at the University of South 
Alabama. Additionally, she received an educational administration 
certificate from Alabama State University. During the course of her 
teaching career, she earned her National Board certification and in 
2001 was awarded with Baldwin County's Teacher of the Year Award.
  In an article which ran in the Mobile Register acknowledging this 
award, students and colleagues were interviewed and asked about the 
impact Linda has made in their lives and in the life of her school. To 
a person, each singled out her ability to challenge their limits and to 
achieve more than they could have possibly imagined. Moreover, she was 
recognized for going outside of the limits of her normal job 
description and work day to provide as many opportunities for her 
students as possible.
  Mr. Speaker, there are few individuals more important to the 
development of our young men and women in this country than those who 
commit themselves to educating these children. Ms. Linda Jones is an 
outstanding example of the quality individuals who have devoted their 
lives to the field of education, and I ask my colleagues to join with 
me in congratulating her on this remarkable achievement. I know her 
colleagues, her family, and her friends join with me in praising her 
accomplishments and extending thanks for her many efforts on behalf of 
the schoolchildren of Baldwin County and the state of Alabama.

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