[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 65 (Thursday, April 30, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1037]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING STACEY DONALDSON 2009 MISSISSIPPI TEACHER OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 30, 2009

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I would like to 
congratulate the 2009 Mississippi Teacher of the Year, Stacey 
Donaldson.
  The Teacher of the Year program, sponsored by the state Department of 
Education and the Mississippi Teacher Center, awards certified public 
school teachers for their outstanding performance. Donaldson, a 37-
year-old Murrah High School English teacher, was selected for 
exhibiting leadership, excelling in the classroom and being active in 
her community.
  Stacey, a graduate of University of Southern Mississippi, obtained a 
bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in speech 
communications. She worked as a broadcast journalist before changing 
careers and becoming a teacher. Stacey earned a master of teaching 
degree from William Carey College and became a national board certified 
teacher and completed the Advanced Placement Institute at Millsaps 
College.
  Prior to teaching at Murrah H.S., Ms. Donaldson taught at Bassfield 
High School in the Jefferson Davis School District and at Sumner Hill 
Junior High in Clinton, MS. ``The art of teaching is bigger than the 
subject one teaches,'' Donaldson said. It is no surprise to those who 
know Stacey best that she would be recognized for her achievements. 
Donaldson's father, Allen Hall, ``noticed his daughter's potential and 
encouraged her to be the best she could be''. With this in mind, Stacey 
serves as a member of the Murrah site council and sponsor of the 
school's Not Here Club, which discourages students from substance 
abuse, as well as coordinates Murrah's Seatbelt Safety Project.
  Stacey's husband, Johnny Donaldson, describes her as passionate, 
hardworking and devoted. She is the mother of two daughters, 10-year 
old Camaryn and 5-year old Cailyn. In addition to her role as wife, 
mother and teacher, Stacey finds time to give back to her church and 
community. She is a member of Greater New Jerusalem's scholarship 
committee and is a young women's ministry volunteer for the Sims House 
Stewpot Ministries.
  I am very proud of Ms. Donaldson and all of her accomplishments. She 
is truly a remarkable example of the talented, dedicated and 
hardworking teachers that help to educate Mississippi's best and 
brightest children.
  Please join me today in congratulating Ms. Stacey Donaldson, the 2009 
Mississippi Teacher of the Year.

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