[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 17 (Thursday, February 4, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S479]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING MONTICELLO'S EDUCATORS

 Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, today I recognize Monticello's 
Educators of the Year: Dr. Juan Serna, assistant professor of physics 
at the University of Arkansas at Monticello; Cindy Flemister, a second 
grade teacher at Drew Central Elementary School; and Wanda Jackson, a 
third grade teacher at Monticello Elementary School.
  These educators represent the best of our Arkansas educational 
system, and I am pleased to see them receive these recognitions.
  The University of Arkansas at Monticello selected Dr. Juan Serna, an 
assistant professor of physics, as its educator teacher of the year. 
Serna, who is responsible for the pre-engineering program at UAM, 
completed his Ph.D. at the University of Arkansas in 2005. His research 
interests are in mathematical physics and quantum optics.
  The Drew Central Educator of the Year is Cindy Flemister, a second 
grade teacher at Drew Central Elementary School. According to her 
coworkers, Cindy was chosen for her ``extraordinary kindness, open-
mindedness, tolerance, and patience as she works with students or 
visits with parents.''
  The Monticello School District's Educator of the Year is Wanda 
Jackson, a third grade teacher at Monticello Elementary School. 
According to her fellow teachers, Wanda believes that all students are 
capable of learning and achieving. They say her dedication to student 
success is evident from the moment you enter her classroom, where she 
provides lessons and activities tailored to meet the specific needs of 
her students.
  As a mother of twin boys and as an aunt with many nieces and nephews, 
I know firsthand that no child is alike. They each have unique 
personality traits and different abilities. They also have their own 
learning habits and interests. I have heard from many Arkansas 
teachers, administrators, parents, and students who have expressed the 
same view.
  There is no issue more intricately connected to the future prosperity 
of our Nation than the quality of our schools. I am proud to see our 
Arkansas educators, especially those in Monticello, offer every child 
the chance to achieve his or her full potential.

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