[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 149 (Thursday, October 15, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2563]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MRS. DEBRA JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. STEPHANIE HERSETH SANDLIN

                            of south dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 15, 2009

  Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. Madam Speaker, I want to take this opportunity 
to recognize Mrs. Debra Johnson, Principal of Chamberlain Middle School 
and High School in Chamberlain, South Dakota. Mrs. Johnson was named 
South Dakota Middle School Principal of the Year by the MetLife/
National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) National 
Principal of the Year Program. This award recognizes the achievements 
of secondary school principals like Mrs. Johnson who have succeeded in 
providing high-quality learning opportunities for students as well as 
demonstrating exemplary contributions to the profession.
  Mrs. Johnson has devoted 29 years to education, including more than 
17 years as an administrator. One of her proudest achievements was 
combining separate buildings for grades 5-8 and grades 9-12 into a 
joint middle school and high school in Chamberlain, where staff can 
work together to address issues, implement effective teaching 
strategies, and design plans so that all students can achieve at their 
highest level. Mrs. Johnson recognizes the value of a well-rounded 
education beyond just the classroom and has been a strong supporter and 
advocate of quality afterschool activities. Her leadership, 
organization, and planning skills have served students, teachers, and 
fellow administrators well throughout her career.
  I send best wishes and congratulations to Mrs. Johnson on this 
noteworthy recognition and thank her for her years of service as an 
educator in South Dakota.

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